Is the UFC heading to Netflix? The UFC is reportedly on the verge of a big change in its broadcasting partnership, probably leaving ESPN+ behind as a result of persistent streaming points. The present deal, which started in 2019, has been marred by technical failures, together with lag, connection drops, and poor video high quality throughout main occasions just like the latest Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev combat. This has led to widespread criticism from each followers and fighters, who’ve taken to social media to specific their frustration
UFC to Netflix
ESPN’s shift in priorities, focusing extra on basketball and dropping Main League Baseball protection in 2026, has additional strained the connection with the UFC. In the meantime, the UFC is in search of a extra dependable and profitable deal, with Dana White aiming for a media rights settlement value over a billion {dollars} yearly, greater than double what ESPN at the moment pays.
Netflix has emerged as a number one contender for the UFC’s broadcasting rights, following its profitable entry into reside sports activities with occasions just like the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson combat and the NFL’s Christmas Day video games. Though Netflix’s foray into fight sports activities was initially marred by technical points, the corporate views these experiences as studying alternatives.
The potential partnership wouldn’t solely deliver UFC content material to an enormous streaming viewers however may additionally reshape the way forward for fight sports activities streaming. The UFC is exploring options akin to Amazon and YouTube, however Netflix’s latest cope with WWE Uncooked, which shares a company umbrella with the UFC, makes it a robust candidate.
A cope with Netflix may additionally see the UFC transferring away from its conventional pay-per-view mannequin, probably adopting a month-to-month subscription framework throughout the Netflix platform. This may be a big shift for the UFC, aligning with Netflix’s ambitions to develop its presence in reside sports activities.
Because the UFC’s present cope with ESPN nears its finish, the promotion is aggressively pursuing a brand new partnership that may present each monetary development and technical reliability. With main gamers like Amazon and YouTube additionally within the combine, the way forward for UFC broadcasting is about to be a significant story within the sports activities world.
