Viaplay has agreed a long-term partnership with KSW, Europe’s leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation, to become the exclusive streaming home in 10 countries of KSW’s live events from December 2021. Based in Poland, KSW enjoys a passionate following, and from 2022 the organisation will stage 12 events each year featuring top Polish and international MMA competitors. Viaplay’s first KSW event will be KSW 65 on 18 December, when Poland’s Mamed Khalidov (35-7-2) defends his middleweight belt against Croatia’s Roberto ‘Robocop’ Soldić (19-3-0), one of Europe’s hottest MMA prospects. On the same night, Daniel Torres (12-4-0) and Salahdine Parnasse (15-1-1) will contest the KSW featherweight championship, with additional bouts to be confirmed shortly.
Viaplay and KSW will also work together to establish pathways for talents representing Viaplay’s markets to participate in KSW events. All KSW events will be available in Poland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Netherlands at no extra cost as part of a regular Viaplay subscription in which sport is included. In Poland, Viaplay’s KSW coverage will include premium studio programming and Polish-language commentary.
“KSW attracts fervent fans, especially in Poland, and is now established as Europe’s premier MMA promotion. Viaplay’s partnership is ideally timed, with the number of KSW events set to increase to 12 next year. We’re also looking forward to helping new MMA talents realise their dream of competing in front of an international audience,” Peter Nørrelund, NENT Group Chief Sports Officer, stated.
Maciej Kawulski, KSW co-owner, added: “We are very excited to work with Viaplay starting with KSW 65 on 18 December. The Viaplay streaming platform is incredible value for sports fans and will make KSW accessible to more eyes in Poland and around Europe. I am sure all KSW fans will have a heightened viewing experience and will benefit from this partnership.”
“Next year will see an increase in our events, our roster of athletes and the number of European territories in which KSW will be readily available. Working with Viaplay provides us with new opportunities and will only have a positive impact on KSW going forward. This is a big moment in the history of our federation, and it highlights our dedication to continued growth. I am excited to begin this partnership and look forward to welcoming KSW fans, new and old, to Viaplay starting with KSW 65 on 18 December,” Martin Lewandowski, KSW co-owner, said.
In addition to KSW, Viaplay’s sports rights in Poland include Bundesliga, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League football, NHL ice hockey and PDC darts, with Premier League and IndyCar to come from 2022 and Formula One from 2023. Viaplay will also be the exclusive Polish home of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Related News
