MVP Women's Boxing Platform Partners with ESPN for Global Broadcasts

MVPW will broadcast women's boxing on ESPN channels and apps through 2028, a major step up from streaming-only deals seen elsewhere.
By Newsroom | Sports, Boxing |

A New Stage for Female Fighters Emerges

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) has launched MVPW, a dedicated global platform for women's boxing, solidifying this endeavor with a multiyear media agreement with ESPN. This partnership, extending through 2028, signals a significant push to broadcast women's bouts across ESPN's linear television channels and digital platforms. The inaugural event, MVPW-01, is slated for April 5 in London, featuring a matchup between Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper.

A Deeper Look at the Deal and Its Reach

The agreement aims to elevate the visibility of women's boxing, a stark contrast to other recent deals that have predominantly favored streaming-only distribution. This approach is intended to broaden the audience for female fighters. MVPW currently boasts a roster of 43 female boxers, including prominent names such as unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano, undisputed bantamweight champion Cherneka Johnson, and WBC featherweight champion Tiara Brown. The platform's U.S. debut event will stream on the ESPN App, with subsequent events also set to feature prominent venues like Madison Square Garden.

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MVP to feature women's boxing with ESPN deal - 1

Notable Fighters and Upcoming Bouts

Among the fighters slated to compete under the MVPW banner are Alycia Baumgardner, Shadasia Green, and Holly Holm. Baumgardner is scheduled to defend her unified junior lightweight titles against Bo Mi Re Shin on April 17 at Madison Square Garden. In another co-feature, Shadasia Green will challenge for her unified super middleweight titles against former light heavyweight champion Lani Daniels.

The Broader Context of Boxing Media Rights

This development positions MVPW alongside other boxing promotions navigating the current media landscape. Zuffa Boxing operates on Paramount+, PBC fights are found on Amazon Prime Video, and Matchroom and Golden Boy events air on DAZN. MVP's strategy, as articulated by co-founder Nakisa Bidarian, focuses on establishing MVPW as a comprehensive global home for women's boxing, attracting both existing fight fans and new demographics interested in women's sports. The deal with ESPN represents a calculated investment in the discoverability and long-term growth of the sport.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is MVPW and who is behind it?
MVPW is a new global platform for women's boxing created by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). It aims to give women fighters more chances to be seen.
Q: What is the deal between MVPW and ESPN?
MVPW has signed a deal with ESPN that will last until 2028. This means women's boxing matches will be shown on ESPN TV channels and its online platforms.
Q: When and where is the first MVPW event?
The first event, MVPW-01, will happen on April 5 in London. It will feature a fight between Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper.
Q: How many women boxers are part of MVPW?
MVPW currently has 43 women boxers on its list, including famous names like Amanda Serrano and Holly Holm.
Q: Why is this deal important for women's boxing?
This partnership is important because it brings women's boxing to a wider audience on TV and online, not just on streaming services. This can help grow the sport and give fighters more attention.