Pretty sure ESPN can afford anything they want, no other entertainment channel spends more on content a year (due to licensing fees and shit like that) in fact ESPN was the only channel to spend more money than Netflix on content in 2016. Espn spent over 7 billion dollars in 2016 for all the crap they show (wonder how much goes to hot dog eating contents and darts) remember they are owned by Disney.
The thing here is you cant just become HBO or Showtime by throwing money at it, you also need a smart deal. HBO always seemed to be better than showtime, they were never equals until Floyd signed that 5 fight deal, then all of a sudden Showtime is on top.
I just don't think ESPN is very interested in spending too much on boxing though, they have too much other crap going to worry about boxing plus their team is really low quality. I know people love Teddy Atlas and yes, he is a legend, but as a commentator he leaves too much to be desired. If ESPN were to really be in the boxing big leagues they would need to re haul their whole production, they are just not there yet but money is not really the issue.
The thing here is you cant just become HBO or Showtime by throwing money at it, you also need a smart deal. HBO always seemed to be better than showtime, they were never equals until Floyd signed that 5 fight deal, then all of a sudden Showtime is on top.
I just don't think ESPN is very interested in spending too much on boxing though, they have too much other crap going to worry about boxing plus their team is really low quality. I know people love Teddy Atlas and yes, he is a legend, but as a commentator he leaves too much to be desired. If ESPN were to really be in the boxing big leagues they would need to re haul their whole production, they are just not there yet but money is not really the issue.
