First, it was EliteXC signing a deal with CBS. Now MMAJunkie is reporting that Strikeforce, which co-promotes events with UFC, is on the verge of signing with NBC:

As part of the NBC deal, fight footage from past Strikeforce events will likely be shown in “highlights” shows, not unlike the Pride Fighting Championships shows that currently air on Fox Sports Net. The first Strikeforce show is expected to air in mid-April.

The program will likely air on late Saturday nights (early Sunday mornings) either immediately after or soon after the hit NBC series, “Saturday Night Live.”

Although unconfirmed, there’s speculation that the deal could possibly lead to live or, at the very least, tape-delayed Strikeforce events airing on NBC. However, other than the weekly highlights show, few other details of the deal are known at the time.

While this isn’t quite as big as EliteXC’s deal with CBS, it’s still big. It looks like networks are starting to jump on the MMA bandwagon. The real question is, will FOX or ABC take the leap?

At the end of February, when EliteXC signed with CBS, rumors were flying that FOX was negotiating with the UFC.  FOX would be a natural fit, but I don’t see ABC signing any MMA organization since they generally destroy the other stations in terms of ratings.

Let’s just hope all these TV deals don’t lead to over exposure for MMA.

Tags: CBS, EliteXC, FOX, NBC, Strikeforce, UFC