Reviving its international presence, K-1 announces long-term global rights agreement with CSI Sports

Tokyo, JP / Jersey City, NJ – June 10, 2025 — M-1 Sports Media, the exclusive owner of the K-1 brand, has announced a landmark broadcast partnership with CSI Sports, the parent company of FIGHT SPORTS®, securing long-term global distribution rights for K-1 Live Events—including coverage within Japan via the FIGHT SPORTS® network.

Returning K-1 to Center Stage
The agreement will kick off with K-1 DONTAKU, scheduled for July, headlined by a highly anticipated bout for the K-1 Heavyweight World Championship.
This collaboration with CSI Sports and FIGHT SPORTS® marks a major step in K-1’s ongoing global revitalization and the expansion of its international broadcast reach. K-1’s new ownership, management, and new investment with CSI will reignite the global audience and demand that K-1 has commanded for decades.

International Reach through FIGHT SPORTS®
FIGHT SPORTS® will distribute K-1 programming in over 40 countries, including Japan, France, Spain, the Nordic and Baltic territories, Singapore, Indonesia, Korea, and the Philippines.

Miyata and Miele on the Future of K-1
“K-1 has always believed that great kickboxing resonates beyond borders,” said K-1 Producer, Mitsuru Miyata. “This partnership with CSI Sports and FIGHT SPORTS® lets us share that with more people than ever. And it proves what this organization has always stood for: world-class action. Let’s face it—when it comes to kickboxing, our fights hit harder.”

K-1 remains the most high-profile kickboxing league worldwide and has produced some of the biggest stars in the sport,” said Richard Miele, Co-CEO of CSI Sports. “We’re excited to bring this legendary brand to our audience through FIGHT SPORTS®’ extensive international network.”

Looking Ahead

This agreement represents a shared commitment between M-1 and CSI Sports to bring K-1’s rich history and electrifying matchups to a broader global audience than ever before.

For more information:

www.k-1.co.jp / www.fightsports.tv


Media Contacts:
Jonathan Sherr

K-1 Overseas Operation Division

jonathan@k-1.world


Thomas Uhlman

Vice President of Media Rights, CSI
Sports
tuhlman@fightsports.tv


About K-1
Founded in 1993, K-1 is a globally recognized kickboxing organization based in Japan. Known for its tournament format and iconic matchups, K-1 has set the standard for striking and produced many of the sport’s most legendary champions.


About M-1 Sports Media KK
M-1 Sports Media KK is a Tokyo-based company and exclusive owner of the K-1 brand. Focused on global growth and athlete promotion, M-1 is revitalizing kickboxing for a new generation.


About CSI Sports
CSI Sports was founded in the U.S. in 1997 by Richard and Craig Miele, and has a rich heritage of acquiring, producing, and distributing fight-related content. The company owns and operates the 24/7 FIGHT SPORTS® network, broadcasting in over 50 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It also syndicates its weekly FIGHT SPORTS® content to U.S. regional sports networks, reaching more than 70 million households.