Shannon Knapp, founder of Invicta FC, addressed rumors about the promotion’s closure by revealing that the hiatus was due to internal changes and securing a broadcast deal with CBS Sports Network, which she can now proudly announce along with a busy event schedule for 2024.
Invicta FC founder Shannon Knapp admits it was tough to bite her tongue and not fire back at rumors that the all-women’s promotion was going out of business.
Just weeks before announcing a broadcast rights deal teaming up Invicta FC with CBS Sports Network, a report surfaced on Twitter that the organization was allegedly done, with no events since October 2023. In truth, Knapp says the extended break was intentional as the promotion made some necessary changes internally while working tirelessly on getting a new TV deal done.
Once she was finally able to announce the partnership with CBS Sports Network, Knapp was more than happy to take a victory lap.
“Let me tell you how hard it was to read that stuff,” Knapp told MMA Fighting. “To read it and just know that I knew something different. Sometimes you just have to stay quiet and let people put their own foot in their mouth, so to speak.”
“No, do you think I’m going down without a fight? True to the phoenix, we always rise and find a way. It certainly was not the case nor would I sit back and let that be the case. If Invicta doesn’t exist, it creates a huge hole in the industry. Invicta is super important to this sport, not just because of the women’s side of it but just we keep people honest. I love that’s what Invicta means to the combat space. Yeah, no, not going down that easily.”
As a well-respected industry veteran who’s been around combat sports longer than many organizations have even existed, Knapp didn’t really feel the need to get into a mud-slinging contest publicly.
Instead, she just sat back and waited for the chance to announce the deal with CBS Sports Network along with a busy schedule filled with events for the rest of 2024 to cement her win.
“The thing is I’m so approachable; if you have doubts, call me up,” Knapp said. “I’m not going to lie. I’m not known to be untruthful in the industry or a liar. So it’s certainly easy enough to pick up the phone and ask me instead of assuming.”
“But sensationalism and spreading non-truths—that happens a lot on this side of the sport.”
As far as the CBS Sports deal goes, Knapp revealed that talks with Paramount-owned network started several months ago but broadcast rights deals don’t happen overnight. There was a lot of ground to cover before contracts could be inked along with plans for launching the next Invicta FC card which goes down Friday in Kansas City.
“It’s been really exciting and hard to keep quiet,” Knapp said. “You sit back knowing what’s coming; you’ve been working on it but have to announce when it’s time.”
“I think back just before our last event; we started doing what I’ll call ‘the courting process.’ A good six or seven months now—something like that vicinity. For me? You can’t share info prematurely.”
Knapp says ultimately going with CBS Sports Network was an easy decision when contemplating Invicta FC’s future—a promotion that’s sent dozens of athletes off to promotions like UFC since first launching in 2012.
“They’re very respected,” Knapp said about CBS Sports Network. “Being on such networks is crucial.”
“Outside deal points? It feels like an excellent fit—they’re good people; I’ve had positive experiences dealing with them so far.”
With their first event under CBS Sports banner set for Friday—future cards are already scheduled for August through December.
After working on broadcast rights deals plus nine-month layoff between events—Knapp can’t wait for 2024’s busy schedule ahead!
“I love it,” she said passionately about consistency being key in building brands.
“An opportunity for Invicta—to shine & connect—with potential fanbases previously unavailable—reaching new fans—we’re excited!”