San Jose based MMA promotion Strikeforce has already evolved beyond the borders of California by holding events in various states across the country. Now for the first time, Strikeforce will open up its viewership outside the confines of North America.
PROMMA.INFO was notified today via press release that Strikeforce has signed a global distribution deal with Shine International, the sales and distribution arm of the Shine Group, a leading independent production and distribution company focused on exploiting worldwide intellectual property rights through scripted and alternative television formats.
Shine International, who distributes programming to more than 150 countries worldwide, will now focus their energy on selling the entire Strikeforce library of television programming which consists of more than 70 hours of content, to international markets.
Chris Grant, President of Shine International spoke about the partnership:
“Mixed martial arts is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic and popular sports in the world. The Strikeforce brand already represents the absolute best of this business domestically, and Shine International is thrilled to help them extend their brand internationally. Strikeforce attracts the world’s best fighters and their events are superior to any others being offered to international broadcasters today. They are ideal partners for us.”
Strikeforce founder and CEO Scott Coker shared his thoughts on taking their brand international:
“We are excited about the opportunity to bring STRIKEFORCE fights to the homes of MMA fans throughout the world. Shine International is a world renowned leader in the international television business and, with their support, we are confident that we will be able to greatly expand the scope of the STRIKEFORCE brand.”
The current Strikeforce library of programming includes 30 episodes of previously recorded fights that have aired on NBC and more than 56 hours of fights that have aired on Showtime. The deal between Sstrikeforce and Shine International also encompasses new, upcoming live fights through February 2012 as well as Strikeforce Challengers fights.
Strikeforce will hold its first live CBS broadcast on Nov. 7, 2009 at Chicago’s Sears Centre Arena. The broadcast will feature a main event between the world’s consensus number one heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko and tough up and coming brawler Brett Rogers.