US sports broadcaster ESPN and pay-television broadcaster HBO have struck a partnership that will allow both platforms to share programming from the latter’s pay-per-view boxing coverage.
The length of the “multi-year” deal has not been disclosed.
Under the deal, ESPN’s sports channels will show highlights of fights shown on HBO as well as interviews, other programming and promotional content related to HBO’s boxing coverage.
Spanish-language channel ESPN Deportes and online channel ESPN3 will also show live fighter weigh-ins plus pre- and post-fight press conferences surrounding the HBO boxing events. ESPN Deportes and the main ESPN channel will also broadcast HBO’s ‘24/7’ series, giving behind-the-scenes access to fighters in the lead-up to HBO pay-per-view bouts.
“This collaboration of efforts and resources will provide boxing and sports fans alike a deeper and more consistent look at boxing’s rising stars and established champions while elevating the sport and our collective boxing platforms,” Doug Loughrey, ESPN’s director of programming and acquisitions, said.
Mark Taffet, HBO Sports’ senior vice-president of sports operations and pay-per-view, added: “There is a very deep commitment at HBO to grow the sport of boxing and broaden the exposure for the top fighters and events. This collaboration with ESPN will benefit fight fans that already love the sport, will attract many more sports fans to connect with boxing, and will greatly enhance the visibility of the fighters that are featured in HBO pay-per-view events.”