Dana Promises 'Big TV Deal' for Pride, But who?

Beatts35 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 04:17 PM

Dana has said that he is working on a tv deal that will be huge for Pride both in the states and in Japan.

The UFC has Spike and HBO. IFL has FSN and MyNetwork. WEC has Vs. Pride was on FSN. And Elite is on Showtime (and has pimped that deal with K-1, Strikeforce, Cage Rage). And of course the Fight Network has a smattering of a number of MMA events.

Who can Dana get to show Pride, without going to some completely upscure network? Viacom owns Spike (they also own mtv, vh1 and a few other channels) Fox owns FX as well as FSN. I think FSN is a looser to stay with because its really a few regional networks that sometimes show the same stuff and sometimes don't. FX would be a network that may be able to carry it. But with the relationship that the IFL and Fox have I see it being hard for Dana to work with any newtork owned by Fox. Dana likes his exclusive deals to much. ESPN isn't going to start airing Live or Taped Pride events. So who's left. Where could Pride Fit? Do they go to Turner or USA?

btw alittle rep love doesn't hurt boys, i think everyone here knows i'm not a schmuck.

Clint · #2 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 04:29 PM

I was actually thinking Turner/USA would be a potential outlet.

Spike could show some stuff but I'm not sure how much more MMA they will carry.

Something like ESPN2 could happen but I doubt it.

smoogy · #3 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 04:34 PM

I don't think ESPN2 is that much of a longshot, MMA is killing the younger demographic and the PRIDE ring would likely give it the image of a more "traditional" sport for the casual viewers flipping around channels. Then again, PRIDE has already dealt with FSN in the past so maybe they are the more likely host.

Krazikarl · #4 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 04:39 PM

ESPN2 is possible. Sometimes they do really crappy sports on ESPN2, so its not like they have all the sports they want. On the other hand, remember that ESPN is associated with ABC and Disney, and I'm not sure how much Disney would want to be associated with MMA. Yeah its unfair to MMA since they already show boxing and kickboxing, but its all about perception and in the eyes of a lot of people, MMA still has a negative image.

FSN is still my bet.

Dork8503 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint

I was actually thinking Turner/USA would be a potential outlet.

Spike could show some stuff but I'm not sure how much more MMA they will carry.

Something like ESPN2 could happen but I doubt it.

With wwe on usa dont you think that would be a problem. Maybe TNT but i highly doubt that. ESPN is good of Fox sports or hbo or something like that

Howie · #6 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 04:43 PM

ESPN maybe?

chungt79 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 04:44 PM

Pride is good enough that I think major network will have some interest. ESPN is a good fit and maybe one of the big 4, especially Fox, will take their chances.

Just outta curiosity, you guys watch FSN? I never watch that channel unless I happen to come across some MMA. Thats why i think it would horrible for Pride to be on FSN.

smoogy · #8 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chungt79

Pride is good enough that I think major network will have some interest. ESPN is a good fit and maybe one of the big 4, especially Fox, will take their chances.

Just outta curiosity, you guys watch FSN? I never watch that channel unless I happen to come across some MMA. Thats why i think it would horrible for Pride to be on FSN.

I don't want to burst your bubble, but the major networks barely broadcast mainstream sports outside of the NFL and Nascar, so for them to pick up PRIDE would be highly unlikely. Hell, when was the last time boxing was on one of the networks?

Beatts35 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 04:51 PM

ESPN 2 has shown what was called "Sport Jujitsu" a few years ago. It was an MMA event run by ISKA. I posted a clip and mentioned it in another thread. but here it is again. http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance...at-vitaev-rare

espn2 could work. the ring lends itself very well to their format of programing. the disney thing is a big hurdle though.

TNT is an interesting thought. i havn't thought about them. Well see time will tell.

Clint · #10 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dork8503

With wwe on usa dont you think that would be a problem. Maybe TNT but i highly doubt that. ESPN is good of Fox sports or hbo or something like that

I figure WWE has a contract stipulation that USA can't show any other wrestling orgs but I doubt that they have anything in there about sports. So if USA is looking for that younger adult demographic they can bring Pride in.

The only problem I see is that it could potentially piss off McMahon but he doesn't have all that many stations to go to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chungt79

Pride is good enough that I think major network will have some interest. ESPN is a good fit and maybe one of the big 4, especially Fox, will take their chances.

Just outta curiosity, you guys watch FSN? I never watch that channel unless I happen to come across some MMA. Thats why i think it would horrible for Pride to be on FSN.

Like everyone else has said Pride is too much of an unknown commodity at this point for one of the big 4 to consider.