UFC’s Upcoming Broadcast Deal
The TKO Group Holdings, which owns the UFC, is on the verge of finalizing a new broadcasting agreement set to commence in 2026.
Negotiations with Potential Partners
Currently concluding a seven-year partnership with ESPN, encompassing both pay-per-view events and numerous Fight Night cards, the UFC has been engaged in discussions with potential partners since its exclusive arrangement with the Disney-owned sports network ended in early 2025. There is speculation that the UFC may divvy up the new broadcasting rights among several partners, as various networks and streaming platforms show interest in collaborating with the mixed martial arts organization.
TKO’s Financial Insights
Mark Shapiro, president and COO of TKO, remarked during a recent financial call, “We are in the home stretch,” regarding the UFC’s broadcasting rights. He indicated that updates will be shared once an announcement is ready.
Focus on Monetization and Reach
Shapiro emphasized the importance of striking a balance between maximizing revenue and audience reach, noting that the market for premium content remains robust, particularly with significant programming events. This trend is supported by the recent deal with WWE for ESPN.
WWE’s New Broadcasting Agreement
The WWE recently announced a deal that will transfer its major events, like WrestleMania and SummerSlam, to ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service, launching on August 21. This deal is reportedly worth $325 million annually, compared to the $180 million per year previously paid by Peacock, with additional broadcast rights still available for sale.
Timing of the Deals
Addressing the timing of the WWE deal, Shapiro stated it does not signify any issues with the UFC’s broadcasting rights. TKO executives have been managing multiple deals simultaneously, and the completion of the WWE deal simply coincided with ongoing negotiations for the UFC.
Future Prospects for UFC’s Broadcast Deal
While Shapiro remains confident regarding the timing of the UFC’s deal, he does not perceive any unforeseen challenges. He believes that ESPN’s recent investment in WWE does not preclude them from making a competitive offer for the UFC. Other interested parties, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Warner Bros, are also anticipated to pursue UFC’s broadcasting rights.
