The Professional Fighters League is aiming to deliver mixed martial arts fans a new style of fighting. To bring OTT content to fans worldwide, the league is joining forces with ViewLift. By harnessing the power of ViewLift, PFL can offer fans behind-the-scenes as well as live content.
PFL is unique because of its win-and-advance format. Originally formed as the World Series of Fighting back in 2012, the league has been searching for ways to create original footage, both inside and outside of the cage.
“Our partnership with ViewLift is key to fulfilling PFL’s vision of re-imagining MMA and delivering a new experience for our partners, fans and fighters in our first-of-its-kind league,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray in a statement. “We are committed to presenting mixed martial arts in innovative ways that capture the full spectrum of talent, athleticism and action that PFL athletes bring to the cage. With ViewLift’s technology, we will create a direct connection between PFL, its fighters and its partners and millions of loyal MMA fans.”
On top of the live and on-demand streaming options, PFL will leverage ViewLift tools such as marketing, data and analytics resources.
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Here’s what else you need to know:
– Streaming will occur via the league’s website, PFL apps, and Facebook Watch. For international viewers, Facebook will stream the first six hours of regular season events free, after which the NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) will air the rest. The season kicks off June 7 and will conclude December 31 with the PFL championship event.
– For those watching in the U.S., primetime events will air live on NBCSN, NBCSports.com as well as the NBC Sports and PFL apps.
– Eventually, ViewLift hopes to bring “cagenomics” to those viewing PFL fights. This would offer fans deeper insight into the action with live statistics and analysis on the fighters.
SportTechie Takeaway
The PFL faces stiff competition from MMA giant the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The UFC is already working with a company called Heed to give fans a more in-depth viewing experience. Heed’s technology tracks fighter and fan emotion in real-time along with an array of other stats.
Both the PFL and UFC partnerships represent a move in a “fan-friendly” direction. While there’s no doubting the popularity of MMA, it is still towards the fringes of the major sports. Last year, the average number of buys for each of the UFC’s 12 pay-per-view shows was just 309,000. Creating this type of OTT content creates an avenue for new fan engagement and retainment.