Is the UFC heading to Netflix? The UFC is reportedly on the verge of a major change in its broadcasting partnership, probably leaving ESPN+ behind attributable to 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 battle. This has led to widespread criticism from each followers and fighters, who’ve taken to social media to precise 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 price over a billion {dollars} yearly, greater than double what ESPN presently pays.
Netflix has emerged as a number one contender for the UFC’s broadcasting rights, following its profitable entry into stay sports activities with occasions just like the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson battle 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 might additionally reshape the way forward for fight sports activities streaming. The UFC is exploring options reminiscent of Amazon and YouTube, however Netflix’s latest cope with WWE Uncooked, which shares a company umbrella with the UFC, makes it a powerful candidate.
A cope with Netflix might additionally see the UFC transferring away from its conventional pay-per-view mannequin, probably adopting a month-to-month subscription framework inside the Netflix platform. This is able to be a major shift for the UFC, aligning with Netflix’s ambitions to broaden its presence in stay 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 progress 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.
