CMA Media announced on Thursday the completion of its acquisition of RMC Sport, a pay-TV channel previously owned by the Altice group and its operator SFR. The group, controlled by Rodolphe Saadé, is thus continuing its expansion in the sports sector. RMC Sport will be acquired by CMA Media, having remained within the Altice group after its purchase of the RMC-BFMTV group two years ago. At the time, RMC Sport was not included in the deal. The channel remained the property of Altice, which also owns SFR, and continued to be distributed to several of the operator's subscribers.
A matter related to the future of SFR
The situation is unique for Altice. SFR is the subject of discussions regarding a possible takeover by a consortium comprising Bouygues Telecom, Free, and Orange. Within this context, CMA Media's acquisition of RMC Sport allows the channel to be removed from Altice's control and given a new owner. The transaction should enable RMC Sport to continue operating under the CMA Media umbrella.
RMC Sport refocuses on combat sports
RMC Sport's current catalog is primarily based on combat sports. The channel notably holds the broadcasting rights for the UFC, the leading MMA league, but this contract expires next year. CMA Media states its intention to strengthen RMC Sport's position in this area. The group is counting on combat sports to develop an offering capable of combining live viewership, subscriptions, and digital revenue.
A subscription lever for CMA Media
With this acquisition, CMA Media adds a pay-TV channel to its portfolio. The group intends to leverage a subscription-based model, complementing its advertising-funded activities. RMC Sport is thus expected to become a revenue diversification tool for CMA Media, with a strategy focused on live sports content and fan communities.
A new step in Saadé's sporting offensive
Following his entry into the media sector, Rodolphe Saadé is continuing his expansion in sports. The acquisition of RMC Sport marks a new stage for CMA Media, which is taking over a brand firmly established in the French audiovisual landscape, but whose catalog needs strengthening to regain momentum.
