By Niall Doran
SAUDI sports power player Turki Alalshikh has introduced an exciting new pay-per-view price for boxing, kicking off with Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois’ Wembley Stadium heavyweight title card on September 21 in the UK.
Fans on PPV.com will only need to pay $19.99 (just over £15 for those in the UK). This is a record-low pay-per-view price for major boxing events.
The affordable price for a high-profile fight is truly refreshing. In addition to witnessing an IBF world heavyweight title fight in a stadium filled with over 94,000 fans post-World War II boxing attendance record, fans will also enjoy a high-quality HD live stream of a blockbuster full card—unlike illegal streams, this will be uninterrupted and of superior quality.
Just a week before, on September 14th, Canelo Alvarez will face undefeated Puerto Rican Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas for a cost of $89.99.
Canelo and Berlanga traded plenty verbal jabs. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizanoi/Matchroom.
Although there is a significant price disparity, Canelo remains the sport’s biggest star, likely attracting many fans to pay for the event.
Turki Alalshikh is not only engaging in a price war with boxing’s top attraction but is also revolutionizing online piracy in the sports pay-per-view arena.
So, what impact does the PPV price have on online piracy? The answer is complex.
Factors Affecting Piracy
Value Perception: If viewers perceive the pay-per-view content as not worth the price, they may resort to pirated alternatives. Joshua vs Dubois offers great value with a stacked card in a sellout 94,000-seat stadium.
London, UK: Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois Launch Press Conference ahead of their Heavyweight Contest on September 21 at Wembley Stadium.
26 June 2024
Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Economic Factors: Economic conditions can influence piracy rates. During economic hardships or seasonal changes, people may turn to free alternatives. Once again, Joshua vs. Dubois offers a compelling value proposition.
Cultural Factors: Cultural perspectives on piracy and intellectual property can vary, impacting piracy rates.
The Case for Lower Prices
Increased Viewership: Lower pricing may attract a broader audience, including those hesitant to pay higher fees.
Reduced Piracy (Potentially): Lower prices could discourage piracy by offering a guaranteed high-quality live stream for the entire event.
The Case for Higher Prices In Canelo vs Berlanga
Revenue Generation: Higher prices can boost revenue for event organizers.
Perceived Value: Higher prices may signal high-quality content worth the cost. However, boxing fans can discern a truly pay-per-view-worthy event from others. Alvarez’s global star power alone justifies pay-per-view status.
Ultimately, the impact of lower pay-per-view prices on piracy is multifaceted.
A lower price may help but is not a foolproof solution.
Additional strategies, such as enhancing viewing experiences and combating piracy platforms, may also be essential.
The significant price difference between Joshua vs. Dubois and Canelo vs. Berlanga could shape viewer behavior.
A lower price for the former might attract viewers hesitant to pay the higher price for the latter.
However, if pirated streams of Canelo vs. Berlanga offer high quality, some viewers may still opt for piracy despite the higher cost.
It will be intriguing to observe the pay-per-view numbers for both events this month.