The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has recently struck a multi-year broadcast deal with Canal Plus for French language rights in Sub-Saharan Africa. This partnership extends to Myanmar and Haiti as well, where Canal Plus broadcasts various top sports competitions.
Under this agreement, Canal Plus will offer live localised programming that is inclusive of all PFL Global, PFL Europe, PFL MENA, Bellator Champions Series, PFL Super Fights, selected PFL and Bellator archives, and the new PFL Africa set to debut in 2025. This diverse range of content is designed to cater to the varied interests of our audience.
PFL Africa, unveiled on July 10, will receive exposure on Canal Plus Sport channels in Sub-Saharan Africa, featuring live PFL action with French commentary on linear channels. Notably, PFL already has a significant media rights deal with SuperSport, covering non-French speaking markets in Sub-Saharan Africa.
PFL’s international managing director, James Frewin, emphasised the organisation’s unwavering commitment to engaging with MMA fans in traditionally underserved regions in their native languages. He also highlighted Canal Plus’ strong resonance with the French-speaking population in Sub-Saharan Africa, acknowledging the fans’ integral role in the sport’s growth.
Jacques du Puy, chief executive of Canal Plus International, expressed enthusiasm for the increasing popularity of fighting competitions and MMA leagues among African audiences. This aligns with their strategy of promoting African sports both locally and internationally.
PFL Africa is scheduled to kick off in the second quarter of 2025 and will follow a sports league-style format featuring a regular season, playoffs, and a championship. Events will be held across Sub-Saharan Africa, featuring a roster of fighters selected from various parts of the continent.
Furthermore, the Cameroonian MMA icon Francis Ngannou will be involved in PFL Africa as a chair and minority owner of the franchise. Additionally, the Africa-focused private equity investment fund Helios Sports & Entertainment group will also have a stake in PFL Africa.
