The next decade of sports broadcasting is taking shape thanks to a series of major rights deals. And while that’s huge for the industry, the future for sports viewers looks even more confusing than it already is.
Why I Can't Watch Sports…
In January, ESPN and the NCAA announced an eight-year contract that begins in September and is worth approximately $920 million.
On March 19, two major contracts were announced on the same day. Warner Bros. Discovery's Max acquired the rights to MMA promoter Bellator for an undisclosed sum, while the College Football Playoff and ESPN extended their exclusive partnership through the 2031-32 season for $7.8 billion.
The former makes Max the exclusive home of the Bellator Champions Series for U.S. customers, previously airing on Showtime, while CFP bouts will continue to air on ESPN and Disney-owned ABC.
