Channel 4 picks up PFL

UK pubcaster has continued its recent flurry of sports rights acquisitions by agreeing a distribution deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

The deal will see Channel 4 platforms carry the PFL’s inaugural Challenger Series, along with the 2022 PFL Regular Season starting April 20. Channel 4 will also broadcast original magazine content from PFL Studios and 4Studios, along with classic archival footage from previous seasons. 

Channel 4 commissioning editor for sport, Joe Blake-Turner said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with The PFL and bringing top quality MMA to British fight fans. The PFL is innovative, ambitious, fast and exciting. It’s really popular with younger audiences, particularly on digital and a fantastic addition to our expanding sports portfolio.”

PFL CEO Peter Murray said: “The Professional Fighters League is thrilled to announce our broadcast partnership with Channel 4. As MMA continues to be the growth sport of this decade, we look forward to expanding our unique product this year and building the United Kingdom and Ireland as two top priority international markets for the PFL.”

This is the latest sports deal for Channel 4, coming after deals to broadcast the Betfred Super League, Formula E and ongoing FIFA Club World Cup.