UFC followers within the U.S. should shell out extra to catch the motion on ESPN networks.
Again in 2019, the UFC inked a five-year unique broadcasting take care of ESPN. All through the partnership, ESPN aired the promotion’s full lineup of occasions on its tv community and ESPN+ streaming platform, whereas additionally holding the rights to distribute pay-per-view playing cards.
Because the ESPN deal nears its conclusion on the finish of 2025, the UFC has striked a staggering seven-year, $7.7 billion settlement with Paramount Skydance. Beneath the brand new association, the promotion will transfer away from the standard PPV mannequin for its largest occasions, as a substitute broadcasting these playing cards dwell to Paramount+ subscribers at no extra price.
ESPN nonetheless has 4 UFC PPV occasions remaining earlier than their departure, however viewers should pay additional to catch three of these playing cards.
ESPN To Hike Streaming Prices From October With UFC Exit On The Horizon
On Tuesday, Disney, ESPN’s guardian firm, revealed that ESPN+ has been formally rebranded as ESPN Choose. The announcement additionally included worth hikes throughout a number of of Disney’s streaming providers, together with Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Choose, in addition to will increase to bundled packages. These modifications will even impression UFC followers.
Starting October 21, the month-to-month subscription for ESPN Choose will rise from $11.99 to $12.99, whereas the annual plan will enhance from $119.99 to $129.99. Followers also can entry ESPN Choose content material by means of the brand new ESPN Limitless streaming service, priced at $29.99 per 30 days or $299.99 per 12 months.
In the meantime, bundle pricing can be set to rise. The ad-supported Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Choose bundle will enhance from $16.99 to $19.99 per 30 days, whereas the ad-free model will climb from $26.99 to $29.99 per 30 days.
Since launching its streaming service, ESPN has persistently raised subscription costs 12 months after 12 months. The current hikes additionally lengthen to the UFC’s PPV occasions, which beforehand price $59.99 and now run $79.99.
By comparability, Paramount+ is priced at $7.99 per 30 days with adverts or $12.99 per 30 days for the ad-free tier. Whereas the corporate has not introduced any upcoming worth modifications, a rise appears attainable as soon as the UFC’s new broadcast deal begins subsequent 12 months.
