The Professional Fighters League (PFL), a leading mixed martial arts organization, has enhanced its international presence by partnering with Movistar+, Spain’s prominent pay-TV streaming platform. This agreement will see all 24 PFL Global and International League events in 2026 broadcast on Movistar+’s M+ channel, accessible to subscribers with entry-level packages, ensuring broad reach across the Spanish market. The timing aligns with PFL’s debut MMA event in Spain, scheduled for March 20 at the Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid.
Details of the Broadcast Agreement and Event Launch in Spain
Through this collaboration, fans in Spain will gain access to PFL’s complete slate of competitions for the upcoming season. The decision to air PFL events on Movistar+’s M+ channel, which is part of their basic subscription, aims to maximize visibility and attract new MMA followers. The landmark occasion of PFL Madrid marks the promotion‘s first global MMA show on Spanish soil, positioning the PFL brand to grow substantially in the region.
John Martin, CEO of PFL, emphasized the importance of this partnership:
“Partnering with Movistar Plus+ is a huge deal and opportunity for PFL. As the largest pay-TV service in Spain, and with PFL hosting the first-ever global MMA event in the country, the timing is perfect for us to bring elite MMA to their platform and subscribers.”
John Martin, Chief Executive Officer
He added,
“This is the biggest year in PFL’s history, and we plan to deliver the biggest and best events possible, and we can’t wait for the Spanish fans to witness what we have planned.”
John Martin, Chief Executive Officer
Movistar+ Expands Sports Offering with PFL Addition
Movistar+ has bolstered its sports content portfolio, which already features major competitions such as Spain’s LaLiga, the UEFA Champions League, Euroleague basketball, and the WOW MMA series. Adding PFL’s international MMA events diversifies its broadcast lineup and deepens its engagement with combat sports enthusiasts across Spain.
PFL’s Recent International Media Deals and Expansion Strategy
The Movistar+ collaboration is a part of PFL’s broader international growth plan, following multiple recent media rights agreements. Earlier deals include a multi-year partnership with RMC Sport to cover PFL events in France, Monaco, Andorra, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, expanding PFL’s visibility across key European markets. Additionally, PFL secured a deal with a Chinese streaming platform and FSM Rights, under Fox Corporation, obtained broadcast rights for Mexico and Central America.
Upcoming Priorities: Securing the U.S. Media Rights Deal
While international deals advance, PFL’s top priority remains securing a new media rights agreement in the United States. Their existing contract with ESPN is set to expire later this year, triggering a critical phase in negotiations. John Martin highlighted in a recent interview with GlobalData Sport (Sportcal) that closing the U.S. deal is his main focus for 2024, given the importance of the home market.
ESPN has maintained a relationship with PFL since acquiring broadcast rights in 2019, with the latest multi-year renewal signed in 2023. However, ESPN recently lost UFC rights to Paramount, which signed a landmark seven-year deal worth $7.7 billion. This shift creates uncertainty for ESPN, which risks losing access to both UFC and PFL programming if a new contract is not reached.
What This Means for MMA’s Growth in Spain and Beyond
The Movistar+ deal represents a significant milestone in PFL’s efforts to establish itself as a global MMA leader, especially in Europe’s sports market. Broadcasting PFL’s 2026 events on a major Spanish platform opens doors to a growing viewership and raises the profile of MMA in a country where the sport is gaining momentum. With John Martin steering this expansion, PFL is positioned to capitalize on emerging markets, build lasting broadcast partnerships, and intensify competition with established MMA brands like UFC. The upcoming Madrid event will serve as a key indicator of fan interest and the promotion’s ability to expand its footprint internationally.
