Boxing, pro wrestling and MMA programming "continues to deliver healthy ratings" for FS1, Spike TV, USA Network, Showtime and HBO, and distributors are "experimenting with new technologies like 4K and virtual reality for live ring sports events, while others are exploring OTT options," according to a cover story by R. Thomas Umstead of MULTICHANNEL NEWS. FS1 Senior VP/Programming, Research & Content Strategy Patrick Crakes said that the cable net's UFC telecasts last year "generated 15% of the network's viewing audience, while comprising just 12% of its programming schedule." FS1 also noted that the "median age of UFC's viewer audience is 37.8 years, which skews younger than that of the major U.S. professional sports leagues by 4.8 to 12.1 years." Umstead writes live ring sports "will remain a valuable programming asset for networks looking for a relatively low-cost sports offering -- compared with the billion-dollar rights fees commanded by pro sports leagues." Showtime Sports Exec VP & GM Stephen Espinoza said, "The value of having a cost-effective sport in today's sports marketplace can't be overstated. We all know where the industry trend is going in terms of rights fees, so it seems like many programmers have discovered a relatively low-cost barrier to entry-type of sports programming." Umstead notes several nets are "working toward making sure viewers can see" competition in 4K and VR. UFC Exec VP & Chief Content Officer Marshall Zelaznik said that his organization "will look in the near future to implement virtual reality and 4K-enhanced video for live events offered on its Fight Pass OTT service." Execs from FS1, AXS TV and Showtime also "confirmed experimentation with either or both 4K and virtual reality for their live ring-sports events" (MULTICHANNEL NEWS, 2/29 issue).
WAITING GAME: ESPN.com's Dan Rafael reported ESPN's first PBC card for '16 was "initially scheduled for January," but then the card was "delayed until April 2 when it was to be televised in the afternoon on ABC with a second card scheduled for Sunday, April 30, in prime time on ESPN." Two more shows were scheduled for ESPN on Saturday, May 7, and Friday, May 20, but PBC has "pushed back the start until June" (ESPN.com, 3/1).
