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EliteXC gets a network deal in CBS, who's next?

by LR 2/28/2008 3:59:00 AM

EliteXC has entered the big time as far as exposure goes for its MMA promotion. On Wednesday, it was announced that EliteXC had signed a four show deal with CBS that would begin in April. The shows will be two-hours in length in what has been rumored to be a 9-11 PM EST slot. Of course, Kimbo Slice is rumored to be headlining the first show.

Adam Swift reported on his website that IMG Media was the pushing force behind the deal for EliteXC. IMG Media announced a partnership with ProElite in late November 2007. Swift reported earlier in February that there were significant rumors that IMG was possibly going to buy EliteXC.

Obviously, this is unbelievable news for the MMA community. EliteXC has managed to position itself in a way that will offer not only itself maximum exposure, but will also offer the sport as a whole a place to grow even more with that considerable amount of exposure. All of this was done without the UFC being involved just yet.

Will they be next? Some say that they will definitely be getting their own network deal soon, but I'm skeptical. The writer's strike was one of the big reasons as to why many of the big networks were reaching out, but CBS may simply not have the star power and shows to produce ratings even with the writers. They've looked to MMA to fill the void. NBC, ABC, and FOX may not need to do that. All of those networks seem to have a larger repetoire of successful shows that people watch.

My thought is that the networks will watch the ratings for EliteXC's first show in April, and make a move. The UFC is such a giant in the industry though, and may sign a deal with a major player if one is actually out there courting. If a major network isn't really interested right now in any of the other MMA promotions at this time, EliteXC could stand to make a breakthrough and ultimately the big money from the CBS deal.

It's a very interesting development that could help MMA move into the major network mainstream. The UFC's dominance in beating many promotions to new levels isn't a part of this deal, and ProElite must take full advantage. They may be on the verge of breaking into deal that could help their company out financially and get out from under the rock as far as exposure. The sport as a whole will benefit as well. We could see new sponsors in the demographic moving to support MMA, and that's the most exciting part about it. Fighters may begin to pick up some bigger sponsors and get paid the bucks they deserve. In the end, we should all win on this deal. Embrace.

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Tags:

CBS | EliteXC

Comments

February 28. 2008 04:17

A big question is:
What are the terms for this new deal?
If is it similar to the Showtime deal, Elite is going to get very little money directly from CBS. Obviously they would get major exposure and would be able to command significant money from sponsors.

There was talk that the networks were looking to pay by giving the MMA company X amount of air time to sell.

If Elite does well, I do think we will see MMA rise up on other networks.

I have to say I am a little surprised, I thought Scott Coker and Strikeforce would be the one to snag a deal.

Also, just how much ownership has the CBS corp acquired? Will we see them calling more of the shots? Will Gary Shaw be required to wear clothes instead of tracksuits?

Lynchman

February 28. 2008 04:44

I don't think it's a huge financial deal for EliteXC. I think the biggest thing that they want to do is get exposure for themselves and their talent. Kimbo will draw fans, and with exposure on CBS, could bring new fans to EliteXC and potentially some subscriptions to Showtime. The big sponsor is what EliteXC really needs though, and this could be the bridge that helps them get there.