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As the UFC’s media rights agreement with ESPN approaches its conclusion, UFC President Dana White has confirmed the promotion is preparing to explore new broadcast partners for 2026 and beyond.
The exclusive negotiating period between UFC and ESPN officially ends on Tuesday, giving the mixed martial arts giant the freedom to begin talks with other broadcasters. This marks a significant moment in the promotion’s media landscape as it seeks to determine its next major broadcast home.
Back in 2018, the UFC and ESPN inked a five-year, $1.5 billion deal for U.S. media rights, which began in 2019. By early 2019, both parties expanded their agreement to include pay-per-view streaming rights, which further solidified ESPN as the UFC’s exclusive U.S. distributor.
Dana White Open to Exploring New Network Deals
Speaking at the UFC 314 post-fight press conference, Dana White addressed the impending negotiations and what lies ahead for the organization.
“When the window opens, we’ll obviously start talking to lots of different people and we’ll see what the options are out there,” White told media. “We’ve said this every time: There could be a time when we end up on several different networks like all other sports do.”
Despite the opportunity to test new waters, White had only positive things to say about ESPN.
“I like ESPN. I’ve said it many times: We had a bit of a rocky start, which is normal in any relationship, but we’re in a great place with ESPN. Whether we re-sign with them or do not, I have nothing but great things to say about my time at ESPN.”
Future Event Format Could Be Shaped by Network Needs
When asked about whether the UFC would stick to its existing 42-event format, as seen in 2024, White said the decision would likely depend on the structure and requirements of any future broadcasting partner.
“I don’t know,” he said. “It depends on what ESPN or wherever else we go is looking for. Most of the times when you do these deals, you’re catering to what the network needs. Plus, they’ll have other programming, other sports that they’re already committed to at certain times and seasons and whatever it may be. It always changes. It doesn’t matter to me.”
UFC Reportedly Seeking Over $1 Billion Per Year
In January, Bloomberg reported that the UFC could be seeking more than $1 billion annually in its next media rights package. When asked about the reported figure, White responded light-heartedly:
“Sounds good to me,” he said with a smile.
Could UFC Follow WWE to Streaming Platforms Like Netflix?
With the UFC’s sister company WWE recently announcing its move to Netflix, speculation has grown about whether the UFC could follow suit, potentially shifting away from the traditional pay-per-view model.
“We do what works for the network – what do they want to do?” White explained.
“Do they want to just put it on their air? Do they want to do pay-per-view? Do they want to put it behind a paywall? I don’t know any of those things. Tuesday, the window opens and we start talking to other networks and we’ll get more into that.”
What’s Next?
As the negotiating window officially opens, the future of UFC’s media distribution could take a variety of directions. Whether the UFC sticks with ESPN, splits coverage across multiple platforms, or explores streaming giants like Netflix, the coming months will shape a new chapter in the company’s broadcasting era.
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