PFL announces 2018 events and broadcast deal with NBC Sports Group and Facebook

PFL has laid out it plans for an ambitious 2018 schedule.

The organization, previously known as World Series of Fighting (WSOF) before rebranding/restructuring as the Professional Fighters League (PFL), has “reached exclusive multi-platform distribution agreements for 2018 with NBC Sports Group and Facebook,” officials today announced.

The organization has also has appointed Peter Murray, formerly of Under Armour and the NFL, as its chief executive officer.

According to the announcement, the 2018 PFL season will include seven regular-season events, a bracket-style playoff, and a $10 million postseason prize pool. The debut season has 12 fighters in each of six weight classes. Six of those 72 fighters will become a champion of his respective weight class at season’s end in a year-end finale.

The first event is scheduled for June 7 and runs consecutive Thursday nights. NBCSN will televise the main card in the U.S. (NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app will also stream them) following prelims on Facebook. The events are available outside of the U.S. on Facebook.

The postseason takes place in October on consecutive Saturday nights. Champs will be crowned during a Dec. 31 season finale.

“Today is an enormous step forward for the PFL and our mission of re-imagining and growing the sport of MMA,” PFL Executive Chairman Russ Ramsey stated. “We’re thrilled to offer broad distribution for our first season, with great media partners in NBC Sports Network and Facebook.

“Pete Murray is an accomplished marketer and builder in sports and media, making him the ideal leader to deliver the innovative experience to MMA fans and build the PFL brand.”

For more on PFL’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.