UFC’s Broadcasting Deal: What’s Next?
The UFC will begin talking with broadcasters in January as they plan their next TV rights deal.
The UFC is currently with ESPN, which is something they have done since 2018. Their $1.5 billion deal gives ESPN the exclusive rights to show UFC fights, including PPVs. The deal ends this year, leaving the UFC open to other offers. The current deal, however, means ESPN has the first option on any deal.
They have three months to agree on it, after which the UFC can speak to others. The onus is on ESPN to offer a big deal, especially since the UFC is keen to stay. TKO Group Holdings Inc. President Mark Shapiro has said the UFC wants to continue with ESPN.
UFC And ESPN
“Our window to negotiate is exclusive with ESPN/Disney from Jan. 15 to April 15. No formal conversations have started as of yet and let me be clear, it is our intention to re-sign with ESPN and Disney. Because they’ve shown that they do it best.
“They understand synergy, they understand marketing, They do a great job technologically with developing their platforms, engaging their consumers and of course ESPN flagship, which is their direct-to-consumer [streaming platform] is on the way. So we’re anxious to see what that’s all about and where we can fit in there,” Shapiro said
However, it could be in the UFC’s interests to allow the deadline to expire. That gives them the chance to hear out other offers and use it as leverage to get a better deal from ESPN. There are many options. WWE recently signed a $5 billion deal to show WWE’s Monday Night Raw on Netflix.
UFC’s Alternatives
The deal is for ten years, something which could appeal to the UFC. The UFC and WWE merged to form TKO Group Holdings Inc. last year, making that deal easier to make. Dana White also confirmed that members of the UFC team have contributed to the improved production that WWE has shown of late.
Elsewhere, DAZN has become a global boxing broadcaster. The rise of the Saudis means that the big fights from Saudi Arabia are mostly shown by DAZN first. DAZN already has a strong international market share in many sports, specifically boxing.
But signing a deal with multiple platforms is also possible. This would involve following the NBA’s 11-year deal worth $76 billion. The NBA decided to team up with Amazon Prime, Disney, and NBC to secure the sport’s future for the next 11 years. While it is a long-term deal that may detract the UFC, the numerous networks involved will expand the brand’s reach. Shapiro confirmed that there were many interested parties.
“Having said that — there’s so many other platforms that are looking for premium sports content and again, the demand is outstripping supply. If we get out of that window, and we don’t have a deal, we will immediately take up with two or three platforms specifically that have told us they’re anxious to have those conversations,” Shapiro added
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