ESPN: Television agreement with GLORY is for GLORY 25 event only

News broke earlier today on GLORY coming to an agreement with ESPN to broadcast GLORY 25 tomorrow afternoon (Fri., Nov. 6, 2015)  live on ESPN 3 and later on ESPN2 via tape delay (details here).

The reaction from GLORY brass was positive. That's because the kickboxing promotion was actively seeking a new broadcast deal long before official world came down that it would split from its its long-time partner, Spike TV.

"We couldn't be happier to be on multiple platforms of the most watched, most talked about sports network in the world," said Franklin in a prepared statement. "This Friday will be the first time our stacked card will be available live on both coasts - joining live international broadcasts already scheduled in more than 100 countries, with almost 80 more on delay - and we're excited to be working with ESPN."

The worldwide leader in sports shed some more light on the agreement with GLORY and the benefits of the kickboxing promotion being a part of their programming.

"We are always looking to expand our sports portfolio to serve all fans across our networks. Both ESPN2 and ESPN3 are widely distributed, and carrying the event on the networks gives it nationwide exposure." ESPN spokesperson, Kristie Chong said in an email.

But, what lies ahead after GLORY 25? And what are the terms of the deal, as well as plans for future events ... and times?

Chong said  the agreement was for "this event only" and that the network "does not share financials."

It's certainly not the most encouraging news for the world's leading kickboxing promotion. And it appears the pressure is on to deliver the goods with GLORY 25 to ensure future dates on ESPN2 and ESPN 3. As for what will decide whether or not ESPN will do business with them beyond GLORY 25, that remains unclear as well, but the network will pay close attention to how Friday's fight card from Monza, Italy, operates, according to Chong.

"Not getting into specifics of determining factors, but we will certainly take a look at how this event does and go from there."

So, the excitement on today's good news will have to be tempered somewhat for GLORY because it could end up having to look for a new television home once again after GLORY 25.

That being said, GLORY 25 is loaded with talent and an excellent main event between Lightweight champion, Robin van Roosmalen, and No.1-ranked contender Sittichai Sitsongpeenong, as well as an exciting co-main event between kickboxing icon, Giorgio Petrosyan and Josh Jauncey.