PBC will look for a new broadcasting deal following reports that Showtime will pull out of boxing next year.
That is according to Dan Rafael. Those comments came after Showtime’s executive Stephen Espinoza confirmed that he could not rule out the rumours, despite the network’s success this year. Showtime has managed to produce three live gates that have generated over $20 million with the following fights: Errol Spence vs. Terence Crawford, Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia and Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo. But according to Rafael, once the contract with Showtime expires in 2024, PBC will look elsewhere.
PBC's contract with Showtime reportedly "isn't being renewed", as has been heavily rumoured. Al Haymon is now seeking to secure a new broadcast deal. [According to @DanRafael1]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 3, 2023
“The rumors are at the end of the year that they are out of the business, at least in terms of Showtime ChampionshipBoxing and ShowBox. I don’t know this for a fact, but I’ve heard it from so many people who are tuned in from all walks of the industry. Not just boxing people, mind you. This are other people in television who know this type of situation. That will be the end of it at the end of the year. I hope that’s not true,” Rafael
Therefore, moving forward, there are questions over who PBC will align themselves with. Top Rank and ESPN have managed to establish a successful relationship. Meanwhile, DAZN has aligned themselves with Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions. That has left PBC in the dark, having already worked with FOX before. And that is why there will have to be a major shift to cope with the increasing competition.
Social Media Response
Showtime leaving boxing after 2024!! What a shame. I’ll cancel my subscription as it was the only reason I had Showtime🥊 Competition is good for boxing fans and the sport!!https://t.co/NPSaKoPp1u
— Luis Alejo⚖️ (@SupervisorAlejo) October 3, 2023
Interesting, maybe HBO will come back? #HBOBoxing 🥊
— Paul Guarino (@PCG7) October 3, 2023
If they managed to strike a deal with DAZN that could be massive.
— 𝐙𝐓 (@ZTftbl) October 3, 2023