• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, February 11, 2025

One Championship Parent Mulls IPO Amid U.S. Push

  • One Championship may switch plans from a SPAC merger to an IPO.
  • The MMA company is looking to grow its North American audience.
One-Championship
One Championship

The parent company of mixed martial arts brand One Championship is making structural changes, including its plans to go public.

Group One Holdings is now exploring an initial public offering after previously making plans for a SPAC merger, according to Bloomberg.

  • The company is also reportedly relocating its legal home base from Singapore to the Cayman Islands.
  • Previously, One Championship had linked with Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs on a potential SPAC merger.
  • The MMA company raised $150 million from Guggenheim Investments and the Qatar Investment Authority in December 2021 at a $1.35 billion valuation.

Primed to Go

One Championship has been fighting for the North American audience.

The company secured a multiyear streaming rights deal with Amazon Prime Video, which kicks in on Aug. 26.

“They have 200 million subscribers,” said One Championship vice president Rich Franklin. “This is going to open up the U.S. and Canadian audience for us coming to the U.S., so this is Phase 1.”

The deal calls for Amazon to stream at least 12 events each year.

“They’re the home of ‘Thursday Night [Football],’ and so this was a no-brainer for us,” Franklin added.

One Championship has been hosting all its fights at Singapore Indoor Stadium, but has plans to bring events to the U.S.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN, Top Rank Boxing

ESPN Parting Ways With Top Rank Boxing After Eight Years

The boxing business has been in a state of flux for several years.

NFL Exec: We’re Reaching More Fans Without Spreading Too Thin

NFL media executive Brian Rolapp is bullish on the evolution of streaming.
Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley talks on set before game three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.

Charles Barkley Will Deny NBC, Amazon Offers to Stick With TNT

Barkley has repeatedly flip-flopped in his career plans in recent years.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.

Under Armour’s Desired Turnaround Sees Sparks With Q3 Earnings Beat

The 2010s darling has been struggling to find the right formula.
Russ Brandon
January 14, 2025

UFL President: NFL Used to View Private Equity Like Gambling 

The longtime NFL executive is stunned by the league’s evolution on PE.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
October 24, 2024

Endeavor, TKO Consolidate Sports Assets, Hoping They’re Better Together

The move brings On Location, Professional Bull Riders, and IMG under TKO.
October 1, 2024

Nike CFO Says ‘Adversity Creates Sharper Focus’

Amid a downbeat but expected set of earnings, Nike says it sees signs of optimism.
Sep 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Nike shoes worn by Seattle Storm center Mercedes Russell in the first half against the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.
opinion
September 28, 2024

New Nike CEO Must Do It

The biggest task the new CEO faces is intangible: Refresh the brand.
A Nike swoosh on a building in Eugene, Oregon.
September 23, 2024

Wall Street: Things Will Get Worse for Nike Before They Get Better

Some analysts are skeptical of how much the new CEO will change.