Fox VP: ‘We’re really happy with the product’
“It’s one of the strongest partnerships we’ve had with a sports league. We’re really happy with the product, and it’s a product that young men flock to.”
According to the hardcore MMA fanbase, the apocalypse is upon us. The sport is watered down to the point of unwatchability, PPV buy rates are abysmal, it’s over, and there’s locusts. FOX is doubtless regretting their $100,000,000 a year deal with the UFC, because, well, it’s over. And there’s locusts.
However, Ben Fowlkes, who calls it like he sees it, spoke with Fox Sports Executive Vice President of Programming Bill Wanger, and the exec said the state of the UFC-Fox union “has never been stronger.”
“It’s one of the strongest partnerships we’ve had with a sports league,” said Wanger. “We’re really happy with the product, and it’s a product that young men flock to.”
“It’s a great male demographic, and it’s a very loyal audience. They will find the programming.”
“Since Fox Sports 1 has launched, because of the time of the year and when various seasons start, the UFC and NASCAR have really been the key live event programming. UFC was there with us since the beginning. Those fans have found Fox Sports 1 and have driven a lot of buzz.”
“I don’t think there’s over-saturation by any means. We actually applaud the additional hours. We’re trying to get this sport to be at the same level as baseball and football and NASCAR and so on. You need those extra hours to attract eyeballs.”