ESPN Reportedly In Talks To Acquire UFC Fight Pass

ESPN is reportedly in discussions to acquire UFC Fight Pass.

The news comes as the UFC’s deal with ESPN expires at the end of this year. The UFC has already signed an agreement with Paramount+ which will become the home of broadcasting UFC fights in the US. Naturally, the attention has turned towards where ESPN goes from here. Reports indicate that ESPN could be given access to the UFC’s extensive video library.

According to the report, ESPN could launch those events into their recently launched streaming service. This could include the video libraries of PRIDE, WEC, and Strikeforce. ESPN has a deal with the PFL as well, which expires at the end of 2026, showing ESPN still has plans on being a main figure in MMA.

Implications

For ESPN, this is an opportunity to maintain a strong foothold in the MMA world. This content can be used to populate their new streaming service and attract new subscribers. For example, a fan of classic MMA fights could subscribe to ESPN’s service to rewatch an iconic bout. This allows ESPN to keep a large, valuable part of the UFC brand on its platform.

For fans, this could be a mixed bag, but there are some clear positives. By consolidating the library into one app, ESPN could simplify the viewing experience and potentially offer a more cost-effective bundle for hardcore fans. This would make it easier for fans to explore the history of the sport.

The biggest downside is the continued fragmentation of the content. Now, instead of having one place to watch everything (like the NFL or NBA), fans will need to subscribe to multiple services to get all the content they want. They will need Paramount+ for the live fights, and then they’ll have to subscribe to ESPN’s new app for the archives and other content.

“BREAKING: ESPN is in active talks to acquire UFC Fight Pass, multiple sources confirm. The plan is to fold the archive and select live content into ESPN’s new DTC app. Discussions are advanced but not finalized, with ESPN also eyeing the WWE Vault," Blake Avignon said

Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.