Insider information reveals UFC and ESPN heading to a split; Netflix frontrunner to sign Dana White’s promotion

UFC is closing in for a near $1 billion Netflix deal amid ESPN streaming issues; sources says this could be the way to go.

Insider information reveals UFC and ESPN heading to a split; Netflix frontrunner to sign Dana White’s promotion

UFC is shooting near $1B Netflix deal amid ESPN Rift (Source: X/IMAGO)

UFC is reportedly on the brink of a switch-up in its broadcast partnership, potentially leaving ESPN+ behind due to ongoing streaming hassles. The shifting priorities of ESPN focus more on basketball and end its coverage of the MLB by 2026. This put more strain on the UFC side of things. So, in the meantime, the UFC has been looking for a profitable contract. Soon, UFC might phone home to Netflix for its exclusive broadcasting deal.

The current contract has faced technical failures and poor video quality. ESPN previously acquired the exclusive rights to sell UFC PPV via ESPN+ in the United States. They soiled the bed again a week back — with the UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev PPV event at T-Mobile arena. Now, gunning for more than what it currently pays, Netflix seems a good forerunner. According to Erich Richter of The New York Post, it’s a ‘definitely, maybe. ‘

YouTube video

When I put that article out on Sunday night, I got a call from somebody who’s pretty well connected, …And he said, ‘Almost definitely Netflix.’…Now where it gets interesting is Netflix is seemingly unwilling at this point to dive into the pay per view model. Mark Shapiro had said that they’re willing to be flexible, and that’s, when it comes to the pay-per-view model, it works for them is what they said…

Erich Richter on ‘The New York Post Sports’ Podcast| Against The Cage Ep. 4 (@nypostsports)

Amazon, YouTube, Apple TV, and others remain options in the running; UFC litigation might choose one or more options here. After NBA announced a $76bn, 11-year deal with Disney, NBC, and Amazon Prime, UFC CEO Dana White said as much. During a media interview, he told ‘Money Movers’ CNBC Exclusive for CNBC TV (@CNBCtelevision), that UFC might be bending its telecast model.

FS Video

If on options like Netflix or so on, where there’s a weekly grind, UFC Fight Pass simulcast might broadcast other stuff. For what fits the current PPV model, it might just add a monthly subscription framework.

One thing that puts Netflix above others is its recent 10-year, $5 billion deal with sister company WWE. It streams Monday Night RAW in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Latin America. Additionally, hefty lineups like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble also air on Netflix.

New Netflix-UFC broadcast deal could mean end of pay-per-view

Because they are already in the tiered business, Netflix doesn’t opt into the pay-per-view business. Over the years, its “one subscription fits all” model has also tiered into lower and higher resolution packages for subscriptions. It stands at Standard with Ads ($7.99), Standard ($17.99), and Premium ($24.99).

Netflix deal means major overhaul for UFC
Netflix deal means major overhaul for UFC (Source: superlutas.com.br/X)

Any normal ‘Joe’ can tell this partnership might split up and pump the brakes on the PPV model. But like White said, UFC’s programming might end up on multiple platforms. It’d be speculative to say that the PPV model would end altogether.

Starting at $9.99 monthly pass, there are UFC Fight Night Live fights, Shooto Brazil, Cage Warrior FC, Fusion Fighting Championship, and so much more going on. Fight PASS Invitational grapples, DWCS, upcoming sects of UFC FPI BJJ contracts, and so much more can fit in weekly. There could also be bigger one-of-one specials airing over time.

For example, the broadcasting giant found their footing in combat sports with the once-WBA, WBC, and IBF beltholder Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul spectacle. It headlined MVP’s Netflix boxing event from the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium. Despite lags and difficulties, it streamed to 60 million households! Netflix has urged it was a learning experience and plans to do better. Here’s looking forward to what they do next.

WWE first, UFC next

UFC’s seven-year, 1.5 billion dollar correlation seemed like a bargain all those years ago, with ESPN. Originally, the UFC was in line for a doubling of the deal it had in place. But the asking price may have just gone up with TKO’s cash-rich deal with Netflix. However, whatever the tag, it might be worth it.

The deal could reach global audience
The deal could reach global audience (Source: agfight/X)

For now, Netflix seems to know its way around combat sports broadcasting. Per Tudum, Raw’s ninth episode on Netflix scored 3.1 million views! It aired live on March 3rd and was the first simulcast programme since John Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber.

It was the seventh most-watched English language show in the world over the seven-day period. Even barring this big Cena factor, the weeks before saw WWE pop in some of Netflix’s global charts. Aligning with those ambitions and big stake cards, UFC could make records here.

Related: “They would’ve hurt our brand!” Dana White spills truth behind HBO ‘fumbling’ historic UFC deal