UFC CEO Dana White recently shared his vision for the organization’s broadcast feature once its deal with ESPN expires in 2025. Known for setting ambitious goals, White believes that the UFC’s broadcast landscape could evolve in a manner similar to major sports leagues like the National Basketball Association (NBA) or the National Football League (NFL).
The NBA Model
White pointed out that the NBA’s media rights deals have been significant. The NBA recently signed lucrative 11-year agreements with Disney, Comcast, and Amazon, totaling a staggering $77 billion. These deals allow NBA games to be broadcast across multiple channels, reaching a wide audience.
UFC’s Potential Future
White speculated that the UFC might follow a similar path. As the landscape of media rights continues to shift rapidly, the UFC could end up on multiple networks, rather than being exclusive to one channel. With various levels of fights, including Contender Series, Fight Nights, and pay-per-views, the UFC has the flexibility to explore different platforms.
We're stepping into the octagon with @ufc CEO @danawhite 🥊
You won't want to miss his take on a wide range of topics, including #UFC304 this weekend, sports media rights, plans for international growth, and the 2024 presidential race: pic.twitter.com/8gRXZIH3FG
— Money Movers (@moneymoverscnbc) July 25, 2024
Current ESPN Deal
Currently, the UFC has a five-year deal worth $1.5 billion with ESPN for domestic broadcast rights. This agreement
was later extended by two years, with the addition of pay-per-view streaming rights. However, as the industry evolves, White anticipates a more competitive environment with key players vying for streaming rights.
While the specifics remain uncertain, Dana White’s vision suggests that the UFC’s broadcast future could indeed resemble the NBA’s model. As fans, we’ll be watching closely to see how it all unfolds.
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