UFC media rights negotiations are underway in the US, with significant bids submitted for the next cycle. Key facts regarding the bidders and their offers include:
Leading Bidders
- ESPN/Disney (Incumbent): Positioned as the frontrunner due to its extensive existing UFC programming infrastructure and linear/digital (ESPN+) platforms.
- Amazon: A major contender leveraging its massive Prime Video subscriber base, streaming expertise, and significant financial resources. Seeking a large package of live events.
- Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD): Actively bidding, potentially utilizing TNT Sports channels and Max streaming service. Interest includes combining UFC with TNT's NBA rights.
- Netflix: Submitted a bid, marking a serious move into major live sports rights after recent experiments. Exact package sought is less clear.
- DAZN & YouTube (via Primetime Channels): Also involved, though generally seen as less likely to secure the primary package compared to the larger players.
Key Offer Details
- Significant Value Increase: Bids reportedly range from $400 million to potentially over $500 million per year, a substantial jump from the current ~$300M/year ESPN deal.
- Streaming Focus: All major bidders are emphasizing significant streaming components (ESPN+, Prime Video, Max) alongside potential linear TV windows.
- Package Size: UFC is seeking bids for approximately 30+ events per year, including Pay-Per-Views (PPVs), Fight Nights, Dana White's Contender Series, and library content.
- Exclusivity & Windowing: Negotiations involve complex discussions about exclusivity periods and how events might be windowed across linear channels and streaming platforms.
- Global Component: While focused on US rights, the value includes potential international components benefiting from UFC's global popularity.
The competitive bidding process reflects the high value placed on UFC's consistent live sports audience and younger demographic appeal by major media companies.
