Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) and Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of media and entertainment group Banijay Entertainment, have concluded an agreement for international sales of finished programmes of Ninja Warrior, the legendary sportainment franchise.
The deal builds on the strategic format licensing agreement signed between TBS and Banijay Entertainment in October 2025, bringing the format into the number one global producer and distributor’s elite portfolio of superbrands. Since then, local versions of Ninja Warrior have returned in Israel and Australia, and the format will join Banijay Entertainment’s catalogue at MIPCOM next week.
Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, who brokered the deal, said, “After taking on the format rights last year, it felt only right to go the whole course. We’re thrilled to now add the finished tape rights of Ninja Warrior to the Banijay Rights catalogue.
“One of the most iconic and enduring entertainment brands in the world, few shows combine excitement, heart and sheer spectacle in quite the same way, and we’re looking forward to bringing all the unforgettable triumphs, near misses and jaw-dropping moments that have made Ninja Warrior a global phenomenon to even more audiences around the world.”
Takumi Watanabe, Director, Global Sales Development, TBS, said, “Less than a year after licensing the format distribution rights for Ninja Warrior to Banijay Entertainment, the show has already returned to two countries. Next year marks the 30th anniversary of SASUKE, the original Japanese show on which Ninja Warrior is based. Together with Banijay Rights, we look forward to bringing the format to more countries, building on its global success, and ensuring it continues to delight audiences around the world for years to come.”
Interest in the franchise continues to grow as SASUKE has inspired an obstacle race in modern pentathlon, which will be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Together with Banijay Entertainment, the world’s largest independent production and distribution business, TBS aims to accelerate the global expansion of Ninja Warrior.
A global phenomenon since its launch, Ninja Warrior has entertained audiences worldwide with its nail-biting physical challenges, powerful athleticism, and high-stakes competition. The format showcases extraordinary strength, speed, agility, and mental toughness, as everyday competitors push their limits on fiercely demanding obstacle courses.
The format joins Banijay Entertainment’s MIPCOM 2026 slate alongside new original titles, 100 Knives, Date Knight, Last One Standing and Million Dollar Idea; superbrands The Traitors and MasterChef, and upcoming streamer launches Beat Luke Littler, Netflix, Will You Marry Me?, Simon Says, The Mob, and Monopoly.
