Bellator MMA Finds New Broadcast Home

Bellator is making a huge move.

In early 2013, Bellator moved from MTV2 to Spike TV. That partnership continued even when Spike TV transitioned to the Paramount Network in 2018. While the partnership has lasted almost eight years, it has come to an end.

Bellator announced that its events will now be broadcast live on the CBS Sports Network. The change begins on October 1. During a live stream of the announcement, Bellator President Scott Coker told reporters that there is still dialogue with DAZN.

Here’s what Coker had to say about Bellator’s move to the CBS Sports Network through a press release.

“I am thrilled that Bellator live events will be coming to CBS Sports Network beginning on Oct. 1, as well as the unique opportunities the partnership creates across all CBS Sports platforms. CBS Sports is synonymous with iconic sports broadcasting and it is incredible to now have Bellator MMA included in that family. I would like to thank Paramount Network, formerly Spike TV, for the years of support that helped build Bellator into the organization that it is today, and this news marks yet another exciting relationship between two ViacomCBS properties. I look forward to bringing the biggest fights, featuring the top athletes in the world, live to CBS Sports Network and introducing Bellator to an entirely new audience this fall.”

This announcement comes on the heels of the major news that Bellator broke regarding an event in Paris, France. The promotion will be holding Bellator Paris inside Accor Arena on October 10. It’ll be the first major MMA event held in France. Bellator Paris will be airing live on the CBS Sports Network.

During his talk with media members, Coker confirmed that he’s hoping to eventually have events air live on the major CBS network. The same goes for Showtime. The Bellator boss has even expressed interest in doing an MMA/boxing hybrid event.