In a significant development for combat sports, VICE Sports and BYB Bare Knuckle Boxing have inked a multi-year media rights agreement. This partnership marks VICE TV's debut into live sports event broadcasting, with 13 scheduled events set to air in prime time. The series will kick off on February 22 with BYB 37 Denver Brawl IV, providing BYB access to VICE TV’s extensive subscriber base of 40 million cable television viewers. Both organizations express optimism about this collaboration, highlighting the growing popularity of bare knuckle boxing and its potential to captivate audiences.
Bare Knuckle Boxing Makes Prime Time Debut on VICE TV
On a crisp early spring evening, VICE TV and BYB Bare Knuckle Boxing joined forces to revolutionize combat sports programming. The two entities signed a multi-year media rights deal that will see 13 thrilling events broadcast live in prime time starting from February 22. The inaugural event, BYB 37 Denver Brawl IV, will take place at the historic Stockyards Event Center in Denver, Colorado. This strategic alliance positions VICE TV to tap into its vast audience of 40 million cable subscribers, significantly boosting BYB’s visibility.
Pete Gaffey, President of VICE TV, expressed excitement over this new venture. He emphasized that adding live bare knuckle boxing to their lineup aligns perfectly with VICE Sports' mission to deliver provocative and engaging sports content. Greg Bloom, CEO of BYB, echoed similar sentiments, noting that bare knuckle boxing is experiencing rapid growth akin to MMA’s rise two decades ago. Both companies share a commitment to innovation and disruption within the industry, making this partnership a natural fit.
The upcoming event features several high-profile bouts, including Harry Gigliotti versus Jon Barnard, Helen Peralta against Lailane Mota, and Ryan Jett facing Sam Liera. Other notable matches include Roberto Duran Jr. versus Richie Palomino, George Taylor against Juan Adams, and more. Fans can tune in at 9 PM EST on Saturday, February 22, to witness these intense showdowns.
This collaboration between VICE TV and BYB Bare Knuckle Boxing represents a pivotal moment for both organizations. It not only introduces a unique form of combat sport to a broader audience but also sets the stage for future innovations in sports broadcasting. As the popularity of bare knuckle boxing continues to surge, this partnership promises to deliver unforgettable moments for fans across the nation.
From a journalistic perspective, this development underscores the evolving landscape of combat sports. The emergence of bare knuckle boxing as a mainstream attraction signals a shift in viewer preferences toward raw, unfiltered competition. This partnership may well serve as a catalyst for further innovations in sports entertainment, pushing boundaries and challenging traditional norms. For enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, it heralds an exciting era where unconventional sports find their rightful place in the spotlight.