UFC Broadcast deal nears window for open negotiations

January is when the current ESPN TV broadcast deal with the UFC officially enters into the exclusive negotiation period which will be a 3 month window where the Ultimate Fighting Championships will continue negotiations with ESPN prior to engaging in conversations with other broadcast platforms about brining UFC content for distribution.

During a TKO Group Holdings update COO Mark Shapiro revealed that the UFC is hopeful to stay with  ESPN after a successful 7 year partnership that includes several PPV events.  With very few major sports leagues media rights scheduled for availability it is almost certain that the UFC will listen to offers from other potential broadcast partners.

Netflix, Amazon, all seem like outlets interested in UFC programing, and with billions of dollars of capitol to invest fans might see the UFC on several platforms moving forward. Shapiro went on to say “There’s so many other platforms that are looking for premium sports content and again, the demand is outstripping supply.”  Shapiro went on to say, “If we get out of that window, and we don’t have a deal, we will immediately take up with two or three platforms specifically that have told us they’re anxious to have those conversations.

Do you think we could see the UFC leave ESPN or possibly see them added to other broadcast partnerships? Cris Cyborg returns Oct. 19th in Saudi Arabia to fight PFL Champion Larissa Pacheco in a super fight which will be broadcasted live on ESPN +. With a win Cris Cyborg has a chance to become the sports only 5 promotional MMA Champion.