The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation hopes to boost its reach across continental markets after launching a process to secure broadcast and sponsorship partners for the 2018-19 period.
The IMMAF said it is interested in broadcast proposals from pan-regional and national broadcasters, and in developing a portfolio that includes the best strategic mix of television and OTT platforms.
The global governing body added it is particularly interested in expanding its footprint across USA, Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia-Pacific, stating that commission and profit share opportunities are available to members for successful commercial introductions.
IMMAF’s marketing and communications director, Isobel Carnwath, said: “Now is an optimum time for sponsors and broadcasters to get involved and play their part in the rapid global development of elite amateur MMA. The phenomenal growth of mixed martial arts has already earned it the moniker of the ‘world’s fastest growing sport’, and the IMMAF amateur platform is surely following this trend.”
The 2017 IMMAF World Championships, which took place at Brave International Combat Week in Manama, Bahrain, from November 13-18 represented the federation’s first to be broadcast live around the world via state broadcaster Bahrain TV.
IMMAF has already announced its return to Bahrain for its 2018 World Championships, in addition to its first Junior World Championships and Asian Open Championships, both of which will take place in China next year and Taiwan in 2019.
IMMAF’s next event in the calendar sees its 2018 Oceania Open form part of Melbourne’s Arnold Classic in March, while venues for next year’s European and Africa Opens are to be announced shortly.
The IMMAF and World Mixed Martial Arts Association this month commenced merger talks amid an ongoing drive for the sport to gain wider acceptance in governance circles and ultimately press for a place at the Olympic Games.