What's Happening?
BOXXER, a British boxing promotion led by Ben Shalom, is set to announce a new broadcast partnership with the BBC after parting ways with Sky Sports. The previous exclusive contract with Sky Sports, valued at £36 million, was not renewed, prompting BOXXER to seek new opportunities. The BBC will now feature BOXXER events on its iPlayer and a linear network, marking a significant return to boxing broadcasting for the BBC, which had reduced its boxing coverage in the 1990s. This move comes as BOXXER's rivals, Matchroom Boxing and Queensberry, have secured deals with DAZN, a sports streaming service.
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Why It's Important?
The partnership between BOXXER and the BBC is crucial for maintaining boxing's presence on linear television in the UK, especially as the sport faces challenges in attracting network interest. While the financial aspects of the deal may not match those of DAZN's agreements with BOXXER's competitors, the BBC's involvement could provide substantial audience reach through prime-time slots. This development is significant for the boxing industry, as it may influence the dynamics of broadcast partnerships and audience engagement in the sport.
What's Next?
BOXXER's new deal with the BBC could lead to increased visibility for its events, potentially attracting more viewers and sponsors. However, the financial disparity compared to DAZN's deals may push BOXXER to explore additional revenue streams or partnerships. The move might also prompt other boxing promotions to reassess their broadcast strategies, considering the evolving landscape of sports media.
Beyond the Headlines
The return of the BBC to boxing broadcasting could have cultural implications, reviving interest in the sport among traditional television audiences. It may also impact the perception of boxing as a mainstream sport, potentially influencing public engagement and participation.
