NBC Sports Group Reaches Multi-Platform Distribution Agreement With Professional Fighters League

The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the world's only major mixed martial arts league, has reached exclusive multi-platform distribution agreements for 2018 with NBC Sports Group and Facebook. The new deal will allow approximately 300 million MMA fans worldwide to watch every PFL fight live on television, tablets, smart phones, and other connected devices. In addition, the PFL has named Peter Murray as its Chief Executive Officer. Murray had previously held senior executive positions at Under Armour and the National Football League.

The Professional Fighters League is the first organization ever to present MMA as a true sport that features a regular season, playoffs, and championship. Individual fighters will control their own destiny, competing in a win-and-advance postseason format. The 2018 PFL season consists of seven regular-season events, a bracket-style playoff, and a $10 million postseason prize pool. The premiere season begins with 72 athletes, 12 in each of the six different weight-classes, with one fighter in each division earning the title of true champion.

"Today is an enormous step forward for the PFL and our mission of re-imagining and growing the sport of MMA," said Russ Ramsey, Executive Chairman of the Professional Fighters League. "We're thrilled to offer broad distribution for our first season, with great media partners in NBC Sports Network and Facebook. Pete Murray is an accomplished marketer and builder in sports and media, making him the ideal leader to deliver the innovative experience to MMA fans and build the PFL brand."

All PFL regular season, playoff, and championships fights will be available to watch and stream worldwide.