UFC Reportedly Eyes Netflix for $1 Billion Media Rights Deal

Tensions between UFC and ESPN escalate over technical failures and declining pay-per-view numbers, fueling speculation of a Netflix partnership.

UFC's current media rights deal with ESPN, valued at $1.5 billion, is set to expire at the end of 2025, with negotiations for a new partner underway.
Frequent technical issues with ESPN+ broadcasts, including disruptions during high-profile events like Pereira vs. Ankalaev, have strained the UFC-ESPN relationship.
Declining pay-per-view sales have created dissatisfaction on both sides, with ESPN questioning its return on investment and UFC fighters losing out on PPV-based bonuses.
Netflix has emerged as a strong contender for UFC's next media rights deal, with reports suggesting the streaming platform is open to adapting its non-PPV model for live sports.
Industry insiders and analysts, including Ariel Helwani, believe a Netflix deal could follow the path of WWE, which recently secured a $5 billion agreement with the platform.