Viaplay Acquires KSW Rights in Ten Countries

Viaplay has secured a long-term partnership with the European mixed martial arts (MMA) organization KSW to become the exclusive streaming home in ten countries of its live events.

From 2022, Poland-based KSW will stage 12 events each year featuring top Polish and international MMA competitors. Viaplay’s first KSW event will be KSW 65 on December 18, when Poland’s Mamed Khalidov defends his middleweight belt against Croatia’s Roberto “Robocop” Soldić. On the same night, Daniel Torres and Salahdine Parnasse will contest the KSW featherweight championship.

Viaplay and KSW will also work together to establish pathways for talent representing Viaplay’s markets to participate in KSW events.

All KSW events will be available in Poland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Netherlands at no extra cost as part of a regular Viaplay subscription in which sport is included. In Poland, Viaplay’s KSW coverage will include premium studio programming and Polish-language commentary.

Peter Nørrelund, NENT Group’s chief sports officer, said: “KSW attracts fervent fans, especially in Poland, and is now established as Europe’s premier MMA promotion. Viaplay’s partnership is ideally timed, with the number of KSW events set to increase to 12 next year. We’re also looking forward to helping new MMA talents realize their dream of competing in front of an international audience.”

Maciej Kawulski, KSW co-owner, added: “We are very excited to work with Viaplay starting with KSW 65 on December 18. The Viaplay streaming platform is of incredible value for sports fans and will make KSW accessible to more eyes in Poland and around Europe. I am sure all KSW fans will have a heightened viewing experience and will benefit from this partnership.”

Martin Lewandowski, KSW co-owner, said: “Next year will see an increase in our events, our roster of athletes and the number of European territories in which KSW will be readily available. Working with Viaplay provides us with new opportunities and will only have a positive impact on KSW going forward. This is a big moment in the history of our federation, and it highlights our dedication to continued growth. I am excited to begin this partnership and look forward to welcoming KSW fans, new and old, to Viaplay starting with KSW 65 on 18 December.”