Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming service, Max, is expanding its sports offerings by acquiring the U.S. rights to Bellator, a prominent mixed martial arts organization. Bellator is set to kick off on March 22 in Belfast, with a total of eight events scheduled for this year in various cities including Paris, Dublin, London, Chicago, and San Diego.
As part of this deal, TNT Sports will feature Bellator content on its new TruTV sports programming block. Last year, Paramount sold Bellator to the Saudi-backed PFL in a deal valued at approximately $500 million. Following this acquisition, the PFL secured a multi-year rights agreement with ESPN, distinguishing the Bellator brand from the PFL brand.
Warner Bros. Discovery Streaming's Chief Financial & Strategy Officer expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that the addition of Bellator Champions Series will enhance the platform's diverse content offerings. The CEO of the PFL also shared enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the exclusive streaming of Bellator Champions Series on Max starting March 22.
The Bellator Champions Series will feature eight events in 2024 across iconic global cities, showcasing world title fights and top stars in combat sports. This move aligns with the growing demand for premium MMA content on major media platforms, marking a significant milestone in the PFL's mission to bring high-quality combat sports entertainment to audiences worldwide.
