TCL Team Boxing League Announces Global Media Partnership with Merit TV™

Dr. Phil McGraw's Network to Exclusively Distribute First-Ever Team-Based Professional Boxing League Across Multiple Platforms

NEW YORK, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TCL Team Boxing League ("TCL"), the first and only professional boxing league with a team-based ownership model, has announced an exclusive global media partnership with Merit TV™, the multiplatform TV network founded by Dr. Phil McGraw. Beginning April 4, 2025, Merit TV will air nine hours of TCL programming each weekend, featuring live bouts between 12 teams across 4 regional divisions representing major U.S. markets. Merit TV will also manage complementary distribution partnerships both in the U.S. and worldwide.

TCL's 2025 season, its third, will launch at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut and feature teams composed of rising male and female talent alongside seasoned veterans. Competitors will face off across 12 different weight classes in 24 individual action-packed, one round contests, with team performance determining the overall winner. Merit TV's coverage will begin April 4 at 9 p.m. ET across broadcast, cable, streaming, FAST platforms, and the network's free app, Merit+. 

In addition to live broadcasts, Merit TV is developing original content across all platforms - from broadcast to digital to social - that takes viewers behind the scenes and into the lives of TCL's professional fighters. With backgrounds including Olympic athletes, veterans of the armed forces, community activists, medical field practitioners and construction workers, this initiative aligns with Merit TV's mission to tell stories that reflect the diversity and resilience of everyday Americans. 

"We have waited to find the perfect media partner with a shared vision to take TCL to the next level," said Kevin Cassidy, CEO of Team Combat Entertainment. "Having the experienced team at Merit TV working with us in our third season to expand the league's media presence, national broadcast and digital reach, and overall presentation is a game-changing partnership." 

"TCL's fast-paced team boxing format is revolutionizing one of the world's oldest and most universal sports," added Ken Solomon, Merit TV's director and senior advisor and former Tennis Channel CEO. "With three days of national coverage across our linear and digital platforms, TCL will electrify die-hard fans and attract millions of new ones. Its high-energy, three-minute matchups - where trained former pros team up with real-life 'Rocky Balboas' - will captivate both boxing purists and newcomers alike." 

For additional information on the league and upcoming schedule please visit www.teamcombatleague.com. 

About TCL Team Boxing League
Through its innovative event structure, TCL Team Boxing League ("TCL") has disrupted the professional boxing industry. With a roster of 12 teams competing out of major U.S. markets, TCL combines rising talent with seasoned veterans in a format that lends itself to non-stop action. Weekly events broadcast on media giant Merit TV feature male and female boxing across a series of weight classes in 1 round contests within a tournament format culminating in the Money Rounds where winning and losing is determined by overall team performance. For more information visit www.teamcombatleague.com, follow on Instagram at www.instagram.com@teamcombatleague, and YouTube at www.youtube.com/@teamcombatleague. 

About Merit Street Media
Merit Street Media is a premier multi-platform destination media brand spearheaded by Dr. Phil McGraw, the esteemed best-selling author and award-winning television host. Launched April 2024, Merit TV creates and distributes compelling content across diverse platforms, reaching audiences nationwide. This fully distributed, cable, satellite, and free over-the-air broadcast media brand extends its reach to over 100 million homes.

SOURCE Team Combat League