UFC
fans are asking a crucial question: Where can I watch UFC events starting in 2026?
ESPN has been the exclusive broadcast partner for UFC in the U.S. since 2018. This partnership has been mutually beneficial, with UFC`s consistent schedule of events attracting subscribers to ESPN+`s streaming service. UFC, under Dana White`s leadership, has seen significant financial gains as the organization continues its global expansion.
However, this successful partnership is potentially nearing its end as the contract is set to expire at the close of 2025. Negotiations for renewal within an exclusive window ending on April 15th did not result in an agreement. Despite this, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro expressed continued interest in a future deal with UFC, stating to Sports Business Journal, “we remain interested in trying to figure something out with those guys.”
The question remains: Is it more probable that UFC will seek a more financially rewarding agreement with a different broadcaster?
Industry experts Damon Martin and Alexander K. Lee analyze the leading contenders to secure the lucrative UFC broadcasting rights and discuss the potential impact on viewer experience moving forward.
Netflix
Martin: Netflix emerges as the most favored option for the next broadcast partnership, and for good reason. Boasting over 300 million subscribers globally, Netflix dwarfs ESPN`s reach, which is available in approximately 70 million U.S. households with ESPN+ having just under 25 million subscribers. Furthermore, Netflix recently committed $5 billion over 10 years for WWE`s “Monday Night Raw,” and notably, UFC and WWE share the same ownership.
An added advantage for Netflix is their usual avoidance of extensive sports programming due to seasonal viewership patterns. UFC`s year-round, almost weekly event schedule perfectly aligns with Netflix’s subscription model. The potential inclusion of pay-per-view events, accessible only to subscribers, similar to the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight model, makes this partnership appear exceptionally promising.
Odds: +150
Lee: Partnering with Netflix seems like the most logical step for UFC at this juncture. Netflix, evolving from a DVD rental service, has made significant strides into sports entertainment, collaborating with Paul and Tyson for a highly viewed fight and joining forces with WWE during a period of resurgence for professional wrestling.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that many former wrestling fans have resumed watching WWE due to its convenient availability on Netflix. Offering UFC on Netflix could similarly boost viewership, and expanding this to international Netflix platforms would further Dana White`s ambition for global dominance.
ESPN
Martin: UFC values its relationship with ESPN. Despite the decline of traditional cable TV, the Disney-owned network remains a prestigious platform for sports. ESPN provides UFC with credibility. However, with record revenues, sold-out events, and a brand that rivals almost every major sport except for the NFL, NBA, and MLB, this connection is no longer essential.
ESPN+, however, has largely sustained itself through UFC content since its inception. As ESPN plans to launch a new streaming service, losing UFC content entirely is a significant concern. ESPN might strive to retain a portion of the broadcast deal, perhaps focusing on UFC Fight Night events, to maintain some UFC content.
Odds: +350
Lee: There’s a sense of familiarity and comfort with the current ESPN partnership. Having been together for seven years, in media terms, it feels much longer. Despite criticisms of the increasing number of less prominent Fight Night events on ESPN+, the established relationship is undeniable. ESPN`s strong reputation as a leading sports reporting brand in the U.S. has significantly contributed to UFC`s growth.
The adage “If it ain`t broke, don`t fix it” might apply here, potentially leading UFC to renew with ESPN, provided the financial terms are right.
Amazon Prime Video
Martin: Before agreeing to the seven-year, approximately $300 million per year deal with ESPN, UFC was close to partnering with Amazon Prime Video. While Amazon pursued deals with ONE Championship and Premier Boxing Champions instead, Jeff Bezos likely recognizes that UFC was a missed opportunity.
Having invested heavily in sports broadcasting, including $1 billion annually for NFL`s Thursday night games and $1.8 billion for a portion of the NBA package, Amazon might hesitate at another nine-figure investment for UFC. However, with revenues exceeding $637 billion in 2024 alone, they certainly have the financial capacity. Acquiring UFC from ESPN, and potentially Netflix, would solidify Amazon`s position as a major player in live sports broadcasting, appealing to Bezos` competitive drive.
Odds: +500
Lee: Bezos is keen to make impactful moves, especially given some of Amazon`s prestige streaming programs haven`t gained significant traction. While UFC might seem somewhat out of sync with the Amazon Prime brand, it could be the disruptive element needed to bridge the gap with other streaming leaders. The idea of seamlessly transitioning from watching “The Boys” to UFC fights is becoming increasingly appealing.
Amazon: Delivering everything from everyday goods to live combat sports.
Warner Bros. Discovery (HBO/MAX/TNT/TBS)
Martin: Warner Bros. Discovery, parent company of HBO, MAX, TNT, and TBS, recently lost the NBA package after decades of partnership, making them a potential contender, though less likely. While they still hold rights to NCAA March Madness, MLB, and NHL, securing part of the UFC package would be beneficial, especially with limited major sports rights becoming available soon.
Historically, UFC on HBO would have been groundbreaking, given HBO`s legacy in promoting major boxing events. However, HBO`s current focus leans more towards award-winning series like “The Last of Us” and “House of the Dragon” to drive subscriber growth, rather than sports.
Odds: +1500
Lee: An unlikely scenario, but “UFC on TNT,” hosted by Ernie Johnson with Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Bas Rutten replacing Shaq, has undeniable appeal and Emmy potential.
Apple TV+
Martin: Since UFC`s rise to a multi-billion dollar brand, it has never renewed with the same broadcaster twice. After Spike TV, UFC moved to FOX, then to ESPN. The evolving sports broadcasting landscape includes new contenders like Apple TV+, with substantial financial resources, and other potential surprises like Paramount or a return to FOX.
It`s improbable UFC would opt for more money to be on CBS Sports Network or FS1 again. Thus, the field of likely contenders appears limited. Apple TV+ remains a significant threat, given their vast financial capacity.
Odds: +2000
Lee: The thought of UFC being on the same platform as the Oscar-winning film “CODA” is amusing.
Perhaps even more ironic would be partnering with Paramount, not only the struggling home of Bellator MMA, but also formerly known as Spike TV – a full circle return.
Could UFC consider splitting broadcast rights among multiple partners again? While possible, maintaining the brand as a centralized, one-stop shop for consumers seems more probable.
