TNA has its own big announcement: TV deal in UK, Ireland

TNA announced today that it has signed a multi-year partnership with Challenge to become the exclusive home of TNA IMPACT WRESTLING in the UK and Ireland.

Challenge will show all the exciting action from the TNA MAXIMUM IMPACT VI UK Tour, starting with a TV broadcast on Thursday, Jan. 30, from Glasgow’s SSE Hydro. This event will debut on UK television before it airs in America and the rest of the world – the first time this has happened in TNA history.

Challenge’s coverage of TNA’s extensive arena tour will also include double TV tapings in Manchester (Jan.31) and London (Feb. 1) and a PPV event in Birmingham (Feb. 2). Footage will also be recorded when TNA visits Dublin on January 29. All shows will be broadcast in 2014.

Challenge has broadcast TNA since February 2011. With the new agreement the channel will continue to air TNA IMPACT WRESTLING every Sunday night at 9pm and TNA Xplosion each Wednesday at 11pm, alongside TNA’s special signature PPV events including Bound For Glory, Lockdown and Slammiversary. Challenge now also has the rights to broadcast some older TNA programming and matches.

“TNA’s relationship with our loyal fans in the UK and Ireland is a cornerstone of our remarkable international growth,” said TNA President Dixie Carter. “By continuing our strong relationship with Challenge, fans will still be able to watch free weekly TNA programming, the most-viewed professional wrestling programme across the region.”

“This new deal is terrific for both us and TNA because it’s bringing more content to fans than ever before,” said Stephen Ladlow, Director of Challenge. “It also cements Challenge’s position as the exclusive home of TNA in the UK and Ireland. Challenge viewers can’t get enough of the thrilling fast-paced action and we have big aspirations to build on this appetite, starting with the first show in Glasgow.”