Vice Media Takes a Bold Step

Vice Media is stepping into the ring with a new venture.

Vice TV, in collaboration with A&E, has secured a media rights deal with BYB Bare Knuckle Boxing. This agreement will enable the cable platform to broadcast 13 live events this year, primarily on Saturday nights.

This licensing agreement with the bare-knuckle boxing promoter represents Vice TV’s inaugural live event series, kicking off with the BYB 37 Denver Brawl IV on February 22. This move signifies Vice Media’s strategic shift towards sports programming, moving away from its edgy pop culture roots established under the former Viceland brand.

“We are excited to introduce live BYB Bare Knuckle Boxing as a key component of the Vice TV lineup. As Vice Sports continues to expand, we aim to enrich our programming with engaging sports-themed docuseries, live events, and podcasts,” stated Pete Gaffney, President of Vice TV, in a recent announcement.

In 2023, Vice Media filed for bankruptcy protection after relying heavily on both debt and equity to fuel its rapid expansion. Originally founded in Montreal in 1994 as a provocative print magazine, the company rebranded to Vice just two years later.

Over time, Vice Media evolved into a vast, Brooklyn-based global media conglomerate, boasting multiple web verticals and a significant video production division. However, it eventually faced financial challenges, leading to its acquisition out of bankruptcy by a consortium that included Fortress Investment Group for $350 million.

Recently, Vice Media launched the Vice Sports banner, debuting the sports debate series Brady vs Belichick: The Verdict, along with the docuseries Calipari: Razor’s Edge and Pitino: Red Storm Rising. Overall, Vice Media anticipates producing over 50 hours of sports-themed docuseries, programs, events, and podcasts for global distribution across both TV and digital platforms.

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Persons

Pete Gaffney

Company Names

Vice Media, Vice TV, A&E, BYB Bare Knuckle Boxing, Fortress Investment Group

Titles

Brady vs Belichick: The Verdict, Calipari: Razor’s Edge, Pitino: Red Storm Rising

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