The first mixed martial arts bout on network television could have some powerful competition.
CBS has announced it will televise its first mixed martial arts bout on Saturday, May 31. The Elite Xtreme Combat broadcast will air in a two-hour window from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
That same night, two major sporting events could either bury MMA or set the stage for the sport to shock in the ratings.
TNT is slated to air Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals in prime time on May 31. Considering how competitive the NBA’s Western Conference has been this season, such a game could include high profile teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. If MMA is lucky, the West Finals will be another small market series like San Antonio/Utah last year.
Either way, the Elite XC bout on CBS will have to draw a rating of at least 3.0 just to compete with the NBA game on cable; last year, Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals on the comparable Saturday night averaged a 4.8 national rating.
Less intimidating than the NBA’s Western Conference Finals is the Stanley Cup Finals on NBC. In all likelihood, NBC will be airing either Game 3 or Game 6 of the NHL’s biggest event on May 31. Last year, the Saturday night Stanley Cup Finals game drew a 1.1 rating, the lowest prime time rating in the history of NBC. Elite XC figures to do better than that, which could lead to a few favorable headlines.
Should MMA hold its own on that night, it will go a long way to cementing the sport’s status as a legitimate draw. If the sport gets dwarfed by its more established rivals — especially the Stanley Cup Finals — it may embolden those who question why CBS is taking a risk with the controversial sport.
