In a significant move to increase viewership and combat piracy in combat sports events, Riyadh Season has taken the initiative to lower the pay-per-view cost for the upcoming heavyweight contest between Anthony Joshua and Daniel DuBois scheduled for September 21, 2024, in London.
According to PPV.com, fans in the United States can now purchase the fight for $19.99, a substantial reduction compared to other major events. For instance, the Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga fight costs $89.99, and the Noche UFC event on the same date is priced at $69.99 for ESPN+ subscribers.
Riyadh Season's decision to decrease the PPV price aligns with their aim to make combat sports more accessible to a wider audience. This move has sparked discussions within the industry, particularly with Dana White, the CEO of the MMA promotion Noche UFC, who emphasized the importance of prosecuting piracy rather than lowering prices.
It remains to be seen if this reduced pricing strategy will be a permanent feature of Riyadh Season's future events. The upcoming fight card on October 12, headlined by Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed light heavyweight championship, will provide further insight into Riyadh Season's pricing strategy.
The September 21 event at Wembley Stadium in London will feature an exciting fight card, including matchups such as Cacace vs. Warrington, Buatsi vs. Hutchinson, and Smith vs. Kelly. These fights are expected to draw significant attention from boxing fans, with the promotional efforts, including a short movie directed by Guy Ritchie, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
As Riyadh Season continues to innovate in the realm of combat sports events, the industry will be closely watching for any further developments in pricing strategies and their impact on the broader landscape of pay-per-view events.
