HIGHLIGHTS:
- Professional Fighters League announces groundbreaking partnership bringing international MMA action to American television audiences for the first time
- The multi-year agreement expands Vice TV’s live sports programming lineup with events from rapidly growing global fight regions
- American fight fans gain unprecedented access to emerging talent and viral moments from PFL’s international expansion
The Professional Fighters League and Vice TV announced a new distribution deal on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The new deal will see PFL MENA and PFL Africa events streamed live on Vice TV, making the fights available in the United States. The deal is significant because it provides American PFL fans a platform to watch events taking place in two of the promotion’s hottest regions. Viral KOs have sprung from PFL Africa events this year and those moments have helped to bring eyeballs to the extraordinary fighters competing outside of the United States.
What Does the Deal Include?
The partnership designates Vice TV as the exclusive linear US telecast home for ten international PFL events. Vice TV reaches more than 40 million cable and satellite homes nationwide, providing substantial exposure for PFL’s international product. Beyond live events, Vice’s cable, satellite and teleco distributors will offer their subscribers free on-demand access to 50 hours of PFL library fights.
The agreement represents the first time PFL’s international fights will be available to US audiences through traditional television. According to Vice TV President Peter Gaffney, who was quoted in a joint announcement provided to me, the network sought “high-octane, provocative and compelling content” to enhance their live sports slate, making PFL an ideal addition to their programming lineup.
When Does Coverage Begin?
The deal launches in December 2025 with two championship events. The PFL MENA Championships air December 5 from Saudi Arabia, followed by the PFL Africa Championships on December 20 from Benin, West Africa. The partnership extends through 2026 with eight additional events from MENA and Africa scheduled throughout the year.
Strategic Fit for Both Organizations
PFL CEO John Martin emphasized that Vice’s “unique storytelling voice, passionate sports audience, and broad linear reach made them the ideal partner” to showcase the next generation of global MMA. The collaboration aims to bring the action, culture, and energy of PFL MENA and PFL Africa to millions of fans across the US while continuing to build the sport’s worldwide momentum.
Vice TV currently airs 200 hours of live event sports programming annually. PFL joins the network’s growing roster that includes BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, United Fight League, and Arena Football One. The network recently premiered NFL Classics: After Further Review, a six-episode series with host Kyle Brandt from Omaha Productions in association with NFL Films.
Looking Ahead
The PFL has emerged as the second-largest MMA organization in the world behind the UFC. The promotion’s commitment to establishing a deeper footprint in multiple regions of the world has been part of its strategy. It will be interesting to see if Vice can help to elevate the MENA and African events in the US.
