UFC fans are asking a crucial question: Where can they watch events in 2026?
ESPN has been the exclusive US broadcaster for UFC since 2018. This partnership has benefited both sides, with UFC`s frequent events attracting subscribers to ESPN+`s streaming service. UFC has seen significant financial success and growth during this time.
However, this partnership might conclude when the contract expires at the end of 2025. Negotiations haven`t resulted in a new agreement within the exclusive negotiation period that ended on April 15th. Despite this, ESPN`s chairman, Jimmy Pitaro, expressed continued interest in reaching a deal with UFC.
But is it more likely that UFC will find a more profitable agreement elsewhere?
Experts Damon Martin and Alexander K. Lee from MMA Fighting discuss the leading candidates to secure the lucrative UFC broadcast rights and what this could mean for viewers.
Martin: Netflix is the most frequently mentioned potential partner, and for good reason. Netflix has over 300 million subscribers globally, vastly exceeding ESPN`s approximately 70 million US households and ESPN+`s nearly 25 million subscribers. Netflix offers a much wider audience reach.
Furthermore, Netflix recently signed a substantial $5 billion, 10-year deal for WWE`s “Monday Night Raw.” Notably, UFC and WWE share the same ownership.
Another advantage for UFC is that Netflix`s traditional avoidance of sports, due to the seasonal nature of many leagues, doesn`t apply to UFC. UFC holds events almost every weekend year-round. If Netflix also acquires the pay-per-view rights, making those events exclusive to subscribers (similar to the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight), it appears to be an ideal pairing.
Odds: +150
Lee: It would be surprising if UFC chose a partner other than Netflix at this point. Netflix has made a significant move into sports entertainment, partnering with Paul and Tyson for a highly viewed fight and joining forces with WWE during a period of wrestling popularity.
Many former wrestling fans have resumed watching WWE due to its convenience on Netflix. Offering UFC on Netflix could similarly boost viewership, especially on international Netflix platforms, furthering Dana White`s global ambitions.
Martin: UFC values its relationship with ESPN. While traditional cable TV is declining, ESPN, owned by Disney, remains a leading sports network, lending UFC credibility. However, with UFC`s record revenues and brand strength, this connection is no longer essential.
ESPN+ has largely relied on UFC for its subscriber base since its launch. As ESPN plans a new streaming service, losing UFC content would be a significant blow. ESPN might strive to retain a portion of the broadcast rights, perhaps focusing on UFC Fight Night events, to maintain some UFC programming.
Odds: +350
Lee: There`s comfort in familiarity.
Although the UFC-ESPN partnership is only seven years old, it feels longer in the fast-paced media landscape. Despite any criticism of ESPN+`s increasing number of less prominent Fight Night events, there`s an established familiarity with the current broadcast setup. ESPN is also still considered a top sports news source in the US, which has positively impacted UFC`s growth.
The “if it`s not broken, don`t fix it” approach could lead UFC to renew with ESPN, but the financial terms must be favorable.
Martin: Before the $300 million per year ESPN deal, UFC was close to partnering with Amazon Prime Video. While Amazon partnered with ONE Championship and Premier Boxing Champions instead, they likely recognize UFC as a missed opportunity.
Having invested heavily in NFL and NBA rights, Amazon might be hesitant to add another large sum for UFC. However, Amazon`s massive revenue makes it financially feasible. Acquiring UFC could position Amazon as a major player in live sports broadcasting, a market Bezos is keen to dominate.
Odds: +500
Lee: Bezos wants to make a significant impact, especially as some of Amazon`s prestige shows haven`t gained widespread popularity. While UFC might seem unexpected for Amazon Prime, it could be the bold move needed to bridge the gap with other streaming services. Imagine easily switching from shows to UFC events within the same platform.
Martin: Warner Bros. Discovery, parent company of HBO, TBS, TNT, MAX streaming, etc., lost the NBA package after decades. While they still have NCAA, MLB, and NHL rights, acquiring part of the UFC package would be beneficial, especially with limited major sports rights available soon.
In the past, UFC on HBO would have been huge, given HBO`s boxing history. However, HBO now prioritizes award-winning dramas and attracting streaming subscribers rather than sports.
While Warner Bros. Discovery has the platforms, it`s unlikely UFC would choose this deal unless the financial offer is exceptionally high.
Odds: +1500
Lee: Agreed, it seems improbable. However, “UFC on TNT” with Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Bas Rutten would be entertaining and potentially award-winning.
Martin: UFC has never renewed with the same broadcaster twice after becoming a billion-dollar brand. After Spike TV, they moved to FOX, then ESPN. Many new contenders are now vying for sports rights, including Apple TV (with vast resources), Paramount, and possibly FOX again.
It`s unlikely UFC would accept a smaller offer to be on CBS Sports Network or FS1 again. The field of realistic contenders is limited, with Apple TV being a significant threat due to its financial capacity.
Odds: +2000
Lee: There`s something amusing about UFC potentially ending up on the same streaming service as the Oscar-winning film “CODA.”
Perhaps even funnier would be partnering with Paramount, not only because Bellator MMA struggled there, but because Paramount is the rebranded Spike TV! A full circle return.
Could UFC divide its rights among multiple broadcasters again? It appears less likely than maintaining a single platform for consumers.
