TKO president signals optimism about UFC and Zuffa Boxing gaining linear TV reach through Skydance merger
TKO Group Holdings president Mark Shapiro expressed strong confidence during a quarterly earnings call that the newly combined Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery entity, operating under the Skydance umbrella, creates an opportunity to expand UFC and Zuffa Boxing beyond their current streaming home. Shapiro indicated that adding TNT Sports and HBO as distribution outlets could significantly broaden the audience reach and engagement for TKO's combat sports properties. UFC has been largely absent from linear television since its seven-year, $7.7 billion exclusive deal with Paramount+ launched in January, with only a handful of simulcasts on CBS as exceptions. According to the report, both sides appear aligned on the strategy, though no timeline for placing UFC events on TNT or HBO has been announced.
We are fully aligned strategically with Skydance, and frankly, they have made a huge investment in the UFC, and we want to see that we help them maximize their returns,
Why it matters
For brands: Sponsors and advertisers may reach a larger audience if UFC simulcasts expand to TNT Sports and HBO.
For media: The potential shift signals continued evolution in how major combat sports properties are distributed across streaming and linear platforms.
For athletes: Fighters could gain wider exposure if UFC events air on linear channels in addition to streaming.
Read the full story at Yahoo Sports
Sources
- Yahoo Sports: TKO president teases expansion of UFC, Zuffa Boxing to TNT Sports and HBO
- Awful Announcing · Drew Lerner: TKO president teases expansion of UFC, Zuffa Boxing to TNT Sports and HBO