In a recent interview on the podcast “The Ariel Helwani Show”, Todd DuBoef, president of the boxing promotion company Top Rank, discussed the upcoming expiration of his company’s broadcast agreement with ESPN. This agreement, crucial for boxing in the United States, is set to expire in August 2025. According to DuBoef, Top Rank is evaluating its options to ensure that its future broadcast strategy is the most suitable one.
DuBoef emphasized that the company is seeking the best platform for boxing. He mentioned DAZN in the UK as an example, pointing to the recent partnership with George and Frank Warren. “They did a great job with Eddie Hearn early on; they have really robust international markets where they have primary soccer rights,” said DuBoef. For him, Top Rank must consider all available platforms before making a final decision.
“I think we have to look at everybody,” DuBoef stated.
Top Rank is also in discussions with ESPN, Todd DuBoef highlighted, making it clear that renewal remains a viable option.
This longstanding relationship between ESPN and Top Rank has been instrumental in the growth of boxing on American television, although the company is open to exploring options that could enhance the sport’s visibility.
“We’re actually having conversations with ESPN, as well,” DuBoef revealed.
For his part, Top Rank CEO and founder Bob Arum has frequently spoken about his desire to steer the company toward a new broadcasting strategy. In an interview with journalist Dan Rafael on the *Big Fight Weekend* podcast, Arum detailed his focus on pay-per-view (PPV) events and how he plans to create a different broadcast format. According to Arum, his goal is to adopt a multi-platform model similar to that of American sports leagues, such as the NFL and NBA, avoiding reliance on a single television network.
The veteran promoter stressed the importance of opening up broadcast packages for multiple platforms. This strategy would allow boxing to reach a broader audience and ensure the long-term stability of professional boxing. For Arum, the key lies in adapting to trends in the media market, where streaming platforms have gained significant popularity.
This is not the first time Arum has shown interest in involving streaming services in boxing. In March, the promoter expressed his enthusiasm for platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime entering the boxing broadcast space. According to Arum, this trend is positive as it broadens boxing’s reach to a more varied and global audience.
With the expiration of the ESPN agreement in 2025, Top Rank faces the opportunity to redefine its broadcast approach. Todd DuBoef and Bob Arum are committed to exploring all options that maximize boxing’s reach and sustainability.
👀 Todd DuBoef asked about Top Rank’s deal with ESPN expiring next August:
“I really want to make sure we make the right decisions…And that we come up with a really good strategy at looking like ‘What’s the best platform for it?’ Obviously DAZN in the UK, just locking up… pic.twitter.com/iMd30cx4fp
— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) November 5, 2024
Bob Arum asked about Top Rank’s future US TV partners following the expiration of their deal with ESPN in 2025: “What we’re trying to do is to do what other major sports have been doing, whether it’s the NFL or the NBA, is to do packages. So you get more than one television… pic.twitter.com/gsLkvfnHPw
— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) October 21, 2024
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