Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions has inked a landmark multi-year broadcast deal with ESPN, dedicated exclusively to women’s boxing events through 2028, signaling a major shift in mainstream sports coverage and potentially redefining the commercial viability of the women’s division.
The sports media landscape shifted dramatically on March 6, 2026, when Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), co-founded by polarizing influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul, announced a “landmark” multi-year agreement with ESPN to broadcast women’s boxing fights. This deal, running through 2028, includes the launch of MVPW, a new global platform for women’s boxing, and positions ESPN—a traditional sports broadcasting giant—to significantly amplify the sport’s visibility.
Why does this matter now? Women’s boxing has been experiencing a renaissance, fueled by breakout stars and innovative streaming deals, but consistent access on major cable networks has remained elusive. ESPN’s commitment provides a stable, high-profile home, potentially attracting new sponsors, larger purses for athletes, and a broader mainstream audience that has historically underserved the sport.
To understand the significance, trace MVP’s rapid ascent. Founded in 2021, the promotion company quickly disrupted boxing by securing livestream deals with Netflix for mega-fights like Amanda Serrano vs. Katie Taylor in 2024 and 2025, and hosting an all-women’s boxing card at Madison Square Garden in July 2025. These moves challenged traditional broadcasting models and demonstrated strong viewer appetite for women’s boxing when presented with premium production.
The ESPN deal formalizes this momentum. According to MVP’s press release, the first event under MVPW streams April 5 on the ESPN app, featuring a bout between Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper. The inaugural ESPN cable broadcast follows on April 17, headlined by Alycia Baumgardner defending her unified super featherweight world championship against Bo Mi Re Shin, with Shadasia Green defending her titles against Lani Daniels in the co-main event. MVP’s roster boasts 38 female boxers, including legends like Holly Holm.
This partnership reflects a strategic bet by ESPN to diversify its combat sports portfolio amid rising competition from streaming services. For MVP, it validates co-founder Nakisa Bidarian‘s vision. Bidarian, a former UFC executive who witnessed Ronda Rousey‘s explosion in women’s MMA, told reporters: “And when we set up MVP and we said to our network partner, ‘We want to put women’s boxing on as the co-main event,’ everyone paused, took a step back and didn’t seem to understand why. And honestly, a lot of it was that conviction of what I saw with Ronda Rousey and the belief that we could find an Amanda Serrano that could show the world what this sport is all about.”
The fan community is already buzzing with theories. Will this deal accelerate super-fight possibilities, such as a Serrano-Taylor trilogy on ESPN? How will Jake Paul’s own boxing career—currently on hiatus—intersect with MVPW? Some speculate Paul may fight on these cards to drum up ratings, while others question his absence from the press conference, noting a pattern of stepping back from business operations. Regardless, the deal provides MVP’s fighters with unprecedented exposure, potentially closing the pay gap with male counterparts.
Historically, women’s boxing has struggled for consistent network support, often relegated to undercards or streaming platforms. ESPN’s involvement, however, could catalyze a paradigm shift similar to what happened in women’s soccer and basketball after major network investments. With 2028 as the deal’s endpoint, both parties have a clear timeline to build MVPW into a household brand, possibly influencing Olympic coverage and grassroots participation.
Critically, this move positions ESPN against rivals like DAZN and Showtime, which have also invested in women’s boxing but without a singular dedicated platform. MVP’s data-driven approach—leveraging social media hype and celebrity ties—may force traditional broadcasters to adopt more aggressive strategies for women’s sports.
For the athletes, the implications are immediate. Fighters like Baumgardner and Dubois, already stars, now have a pathway to mainstream celebrity. Increased viewership on ESPN could attract larger sponsorship deals and cross-promotional opportunities with other ESPN properties, from SportsCenter to documentary series.
The deal also reignites debate about Jake Paul’s legacy. While he has faced criticism for fighting older, less experienced opponents, his role in elevating women’s boxing through MVP is undeniable. This partnership may soften his image among detractors, framing him as a transformative figure in sports business rather than just a showman.
Looking ahead, MVPW’s success hinges on ESPN’s marketing muscle and the quality of matchmaking. With unified championships on the first cable card, MVP is setting a high bar. If ratings meet expectations, expect ESPN to extend the deal and possibly replicate the model for other underserved sports divisions.
In a climate where women’s sports are finally gaining traction, this agreement is more than a business transaction—it’s a statement. ESPN is betting that women’s boxing, anchored by MVP’s bold promotion, can draw audiences rivaling men’s divisions. For fans, it means easier access to elite competition; for the sport, it could be the breakthrough moment decades in the making.
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