Originally posted by original zero
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The UFC model is probably the closest thing to boxing, and even that isnt the same. The content deal UFC has with Fox is for some lower-tier events, but the biggest part of it is the Ultimate Fighter series. All the big UFC events still have to go to PPV in order to create enough revenue. A 9-figure content deal for boxing, from a broadcast network, I think is never going to happen. There are simply too many other (safer) options for them to take. Look at shows like Criminal Minds. Costs maybe what, $3 million an episode to make? It does about 9.5 million viewers, and then they STILL get to sell it in syndication for the next 30 years after that. Unless a tv executive somewhere is a huge boxing fan, and is willing to put his job on the line, I just dont see a content deal for high-profile fights. I could see a smaller scale deal for lower-end content with the premium events going to PPV or Showtime, but that doesnt fit the "free boxing doe" platform.
I will also touch on the ESPN issue. The deal Haymon made was for a MONTHLY series. Obviously we dont know the specific contract details (perhaps they will come out in the discovery portion of the unfair competition lawsuit) but when you make a deal for a monthly series, and then only do 1 show in 8 months, it raises questions. Do they have money problems? Did they buy the ESPN time just to eliminate opportunities for other promoters? (if so that plays right in to the unfair competition angle)
And lastly, I think the time-buy scenario was really a bad idea. Sure, I understand the concept of putting boxing on numerous networks to try and get them interested, but I just think that once you give someone something for free, it makes it very hard for them to see the actual value in it.
Oh, and one other thing. Even you have to admit that Caldwell selling this idea to Waddell & Reed, getting it closed, and then immediately resigning and taking a position with Haymon is not a good look. It doesnt pass the smell test, and if it's not a quid pro quo, I dont know what is..........
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