PFL launches new OTT platform, offers free access to premium PFL, WSOF content

While the PFL isn’t currently hosting live events, the promotion is opening up its entire library to fans for free – and including footage from its time as WSOF.

“We’re excited to launch our first OTT platform,” PFL CEO Peter Murray told MMA Junkie. “We’re going to deliver fans free access year-round to premium league content from the PFL. The content will be available on Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Android and iOS devices, and we’re really leaning in on the focus of ‘Fight Central’ at fans’ fingertips around the world.”

The PFL MMA app officially launched today, and Murray said the entire library of PFL fights is offered, as well as the full WSOF archive, as well. Additionally, the promotion will feature original programming from its PFL Studios division, which already boasts more than 200 hours of content and is constantly adding more during the company’s COVID-induced hiatus.

Murray said he hopes the app will allow greater engagement with MMA fans around the world.

“It really gives us an opportunity to go direct to consumer with year-round engagement, and the content will include the PFL archive, PFL original programming, but we also have the World Series of Fighting archive and access to Marlon Moraes, Justin Gaethje,” Murray said. “We’re excited about it, and it’s a game-changer for our international distribution. We have coverage with our existing broadcast partners outside the U.S. to 160 countries, but for our live events. But now we have the opportunity to really engage fans in a more immersive way year-round. That’s really the impetus behind it.”

All of the content will be free for fans, though Murray said there will be sponsorship and advertising opportunities for perspective partners, as well as micro-transaction offers for fans.

And when the league-based PFL does return to action, which is currently targeted for a full season in 2021, Murray said fans outside of the U.S. will be able to watch live fights, as well.

“Next year, we’re already planning on live fights to be on the platform outside the U.S.,” Murray said. “In the U.S., ESPN is our official linear and digital partner for our season events, as well as a committed partner on all of our original programming. So this is really a game-changer for us internationally, where we see significant growth opportunities for the sport, as well as the PFL.”

Additionally, Murray promises that the company will continue to find increased ways to implement its SmartCage technology to deliver real-time fighter data and analytics, as well as allow users to control the app in a manner that suits them best.

“We’re also excited about delivering innovation in the OTT space to provide fans with a deeper immersion and to provide fans with a personalized viewing experience,” Murray said. “We live in a world of personalization, so we’re going to give fans an opportunity to curate how they want to engage with the PFL and MMA, and that’s what my team is focused on.

“We have placed an emphasis on engaging fans all year long through impactful storytelling and unprecedented access to the sport, our fighters, and the action inside the cage. As the app continues to evolve, this will especially be a destination for international fans outside the U.S.”