Spike possibly given up on UFC Negotiations

http://www.bjpenn.com/profiles/blogs/spike-tv-has-reportedly-given?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bjpenndotcom+%28BJPENN.COM+NEWS+BLOGS%29

Quote :

In an interesting report coming out of MMAfighting.com, an anonymous source from Spike TV has leaked out that the cable network has given up on negations with their long-time broadcast partner that is the UFC.

Last month we started reporting on rumors that the UFC brass has been in heavy negotiations to purchase the G4 network for the sole purposes of creating their own channel. Obviously the benefit of having a UFC channel dedicated to UFC programming is huge, and Spike TV knows it.

"They want their own channel, and this is an opportunity for their own channel," the unnamed source said.

Recently we have seen evidence of a strained relationship between the UFC and Spike TV. First with the latest installment of “The Ultimate Fighter” getting a few episodes less of airtime and most recently with the counterprogramming of UFC on Versus 4, which garnered a higher audience on Spike than the UFC’s live “Kongo vs. Barry” event.

Whatever, fuck Spike TV.

SPIKE has plenty of great programming...like....and then....well you have...

Hopefully Bellator goes there

bobbitt15 wrote:

Hopefully Bellator goes there

Yeah I hope they get some kind of MMA to fill the void. Maybe they can have a couple organizations.

Is this good or bad for the UFC ?

They have bigger plans in mind than Spike TV

Ali wrote:

Is this good or bad for the UFC ?

Time will tell. Could go either way.

UFC leaving Spike is a step towards the UFC leaving PPV.

Wolfgangsta wrote:

UFC leaving Spike is a step towards the UFC leaving PPV.

I don't think so. PPVs aren't going anywhere, UFC Channel or not.

OU, think big picture sir. PPV in it of itself is a dying industry. The PPV industry ups and downs have caused serious issues in both WWE and boxing. If the UFC's long term goal is to become a major sport, than they'll move away from PPV eventually. This is many years away. Five or ten or more. Or less. But the point is, in order to change the business model you have to change the business model. This is the first step.

Wolfgangsta wrote:

OU, think big picture sir. PPV in it of itself is a dying industry. The PPV industry ups and downs have caused serious issues in both WWE and boxing. If the UFC's long term goal is to become a major sport, than they'll move away from PPV eventually. This is many years away. Five or ten or more. Or less. But the point is, in order to change the business model you have to change the business model. This is the first step.

OK, I guess I can get on that. A gradual move toward a bigger network deal? Getting further from PPV and closer to ESPN. Is a UFC Channel just the next step until they can get on ESPN? No way they will just stick with a UFC Channel and no PPVs. They need a major network deal to cut out the PPVs right?

bobbitt15 wrote:

Hopefully Bellator goes there

Seems like the perfect marriage, but how long is the current Bellator MTV deal?


Zero doubt Spike will try to fill that void quickly, and without question they prefer to get as high profile an org as possible.


I fully understand UFC wanting their own channel, figured they were moving in this direction, and if this is a step towards moving away from the ppv format then hell yeah. But they are opening the window for a competing org here. Whoever does fill that role quickly ups their presence on the MMA scene.

I can't see PPV's being dropped, they pay for the bulk of the wages.

Ali wrote:

I can't see PPV's being dropped, they pay for the bulk of the wages.

YAH, i feel the same way

How many sports leagues besides the UFC pay wages without PPV? All of them? For the UFC to continue to grow, it has to get on free TV and let advertisers pay the bills.

in my fantasy world I would hope Dana show good combat sports on the channel, not just all 100% UFC, could even show boxing and make money off of it.

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/8/18/2370628/spike-tv-formally-ends-their-relationship-with-the-ufc-the-ultimate
Spike TV formally ends their relationship with the UFC:

"The Ultimate Fighter" season 14 in September will be our last. We are increasing our commitment to distinctive, original series that we own such as "Auction Hunters" and "Bar Rescue" which are delivering on our goal to reach a broader audience. Our 6-year partnership with the UFC has been incredibly beneficial in building both our brands, and we wish them all the best in the future."

hard to believe we won't see UFC on spike anymore

I'm glad. FX fTW!

i love FX... sunny ftw