Bellator Signs Global Distribution Deal
Posted on 7 November by MMA Weekly
FremantleMedia Enterprises, the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, today announced a global rights deal with Bellator Fighting Championships for FME to exclusively represent the rapidly growing brand’s international TV distribution rights, as well as handle the licensing, digital and ancillary rights for the US and international markets.
Bellator Fighting Championships was recently purchased by Viacom and in 2013 will move over to Spike TV. This new deal extends their television capabilities, especially on the global level.
“This deal further diversifies FME’s third party slate and builds on our reputation as experts at identifying and exploiting the potential of emerging brands,” said David Ellender, FME’s Global CEO. “The sport of mixed martial arts is gaining momentum with fans worldwide, and we can see huge potential for the Bellator brand across all platforms, both in the US and internationally.”
The Bellator brand can currently be viewed on MTV2 for their live events as well as EPIX for the HD broadcasts, with preliminary fights airing on Spike.com.
“The incredible athleticism and intensity exhibited in all of our mixed martial arts tournaments translate into any language,” said Bjorn Rebney, Bellator CEO. “With FME as our partner, we will have the ability to showcase our high-intensity brand of fighting to millions around the globe.”
Bellator has had events in both the United States and Canada, but this new deal could strengthen and grow their interests on a worldwide level.