FOX Nation Expands Partnership with Real American Freestyle for Exclusive Broadcasting

FOX Nation Expands Partnership with Real American Freestyle

In a significant move, FOX Nation has announced an expansion of its partnership with Real American Freestyle (RAF), securing a new long-term agreement to continue as their exclusive broadcast partner. This announcement comes from FOX Nation president Lauren Petterson, emphasizing the platform's commitment to showcasing the emerging freestyle wrestling league while delivering live events that feature top competitors.

The relationship has gained momentum since its inception, marked by notable performances from athletes like Bo Nickal, Wyatt Hendrickson, Colby Covington, and Michael Chandler. The excitement generated around RAF recently culminated in a successful event, RAF05, held in Sunrise, Florida, which led to a significant surge in subscriptions for FOX Nation. This expansion illustrates the platform's recognition of RAF's potential as a key player in the combat sports arena.

A Unique Vision and Growing Audience

Founded by WWE legend Hulk Hogan, alongside CEO Chad Bronstein, Chief Media Officer Eric Bischoff, and COO Izzy Martinez, RAF has rapidly established itself as an innovative force in wrestling. Their approach focuses on creating a distinctive experience that professionalizes the sport while offering compelling storytelling and fierce competition. In Petterson’s words, “We’re incredibly proud of what has been built over the first five events and the strong momentum Real American Freestyle has generated.”

By providing elite wrestling with a professional platform, FOX Nation has facilitated the growth of RAF as it continues to attract ardent wrestling fans. Bronstein remarked, “This extension reflects the momentum we've been building since the first event and the incredible partnership we've developed.” The audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, and viewers can expect even more dynamic shows in the future.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Events and Offerings

As part of the expanded partnership, FOX Nation will stream all upcoming RAF matches exclusively, ensuring fans across the nation have access to live events. The next major event, RAF06, is scheduled for February 28 at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, with plans for international expansion later this year. This announcement signifies not just an expansion of content but also a commitment to evolving the league into a global entity.

Additionally, on January 29, FOX Nation will introduce a new special titled "RAF Wrestling’s Greatest Takedowns," hosted by Colby Covington. This curated showcase will highlight standout moments and memorable matches, providing subscribers with a fresh perspective on the extraordinary talent showcased in RAF.

FOX Nation, which is a direct-to-consumer streaming service, aims to complement the FOX News Channel experience for its dedicated audience. Launched in 2018, the platform features over 10,000 hours of content, ranging from lifestyle segments and entertainment to historical documentaries and investigative series. It has gained notable traction among younger audiences, being recognized as a top brand by Morning Consult in 2023.

This partnership with RAF is poised to solidify FOX Nation's role as a destination for wrestling fans and is indicative of the current trends in sports broadcasting where streaming services are taking the lead. As more viewers continue to embrace on-demand content, the success of this collaboration will likely set the stage for future developments in the realm of sports entertainment.