Effect of ProElite-CBS Deal on Fighter Sponsorships

Preliminary analysis of the ProElite-CBS deal has focused on the more abstract benefits to the sport at large or the company in specific. However, it is not just MMA in general and ProElite in particular that stand to benefit from the exposure of CBS, but also the fighters themselves who will be faced with an array of new opportunities.

One of the top agents in the industry told MMAPayout.com that he expects fighters’ sponsorship revenue to increase significantly. He estimated that the value of premium placement opportunities, namely butt and front top center of fight shorts, will go from $3,000-$10,000 on non-main card fights to $7,500-15,000 for CBS events. Top fighters with an established record, reputation, and positive persona could see their sponsorship asking price reach over $50,000.

This will unquestionably give ProElite an advantage it didn’t possess before and make it a more attractive option for free agent fighters.

With the UFC reportedly moving away from pay-per-view and signing bonuses in favor of discretionary bonuses according to Dave Meltzer, there is room for ProElite to enhance its recruitment efforts in order to attract and retain more top flight talent.