Five dollars to watch regional and club boxing shows?
That’s the plan unveiled by Fightnight Live, an interactive Facebook series that has streamed 48 live events from 21 different cities since May 2017. The goal is to create a revenue stream to help regional promoters stage combat sports cards without spectators or with small crowds, if that’s what’s required amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a news release.
Boxing is scheduled to restart next month.
“This has been a challenging time for so many, and we’re incredibly pleased to introduce a Facebook option that can enable fight cards to happen safely, with socially-distanced crowds or even without fans in the stands,” said Mark Fratto, principal and director of business development, Linacre Media.
“The top promoters in boxing and MMA have lucrative broadcast and streaming deals, but regional/club promoters have limited options without ticket revenue. Fightnight Live PPV can be a path forward; a public health-conscious and financially-responsible way to get fighters fighting again.”
Fratto went on: “Thanks to the steadfast commitment from our partners at Everlast, Fightnight Live PPV shows will be affordable for fan consumption, and the low production price point will enable promoters to get their fighters back in the ring as soon as they can get commission-approved, safe dates.
“And of course, the safety of the fighters, officials and everyone involved will be paramount. Our production crews will operate with testing, masks, social distancing and will even work offsite, REMI-style, when appropriate.”
The Fightnight Live PPV schedule will be announced “in the coming weeks,” according to the release.
Fightnight Live is available at www.facebook.com/facefightnightlive.