PFL Strikes Major Media Deal with SuperSport for MMA Expansion in Africa

12 March 2024

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has just inked a groundbreaking media rights deal with SuperSport, the leading broadcast network in Sub-Saharan Africa, solidifying its presence as the fastest-growing sports league in the region. This partnership encompasses all PFL and Bellator programming, promising fans an exhilarating lineup of combat sports action across SuperSport channels.

The collaboration kicked off in spectacular fashion with the broadcast of the opening event of the 2024 PFL Europe Season on March 7th. Viewers were treated to the thrilling showdown between global sensation Cedric ‘The Best’ Doumbe and Baissangour ‘Baki’ Chamsoudinov at the iconic Accor Arena in Paris.

Under this groundbreaking agreement, SuperSport will offer comprehensive coverage of all PFL programming, including live broadcasts of PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Europe events, and the newly announced PFL MENA series. This ensures that African fans have access to top-tier MMA action from one of the world's premier sports broadcasters.

Looking ahead, the PFL is gearing up for further expansion into the African market with the launch of its third international league, PFL Africa, scheduled for 2025. This initiative will be spearheaded by none other than Francis Ngannou, widely regarded as the world’s greatest combat sports athlete and the reigning linear heavyweight champion. Ngannou's involvement as an equity owner and Chairman of PFL Africa underscores the league's commitment to delivering premium MMA content tailored to African audiences.

Events under the PFL Africa banner will be strategically staged across key countries in the continent, broadcast live in primetime to meet the growing demand for high-quality MMA entertainment. More details regarding the league's structure and schedule are expected to be unveiled later this year.

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James Frewin, Senior Vice President of International at PFL, expressed his excitement about the partnership, emphasizing Sub-Saharan Africa as a pivotal market for the league's global expansion efforts. With SuperSport onboard as a broadcasting partner, PFL aims to cater to the diverse tastes of African audiences, offering them unrivaled access to world-class MMA action year-round.