In the wake of widespread technical difficulties during UFC 313, a new report suggests that the UFC is exploring a potential broadcasting deal with Netflix to replace its current U.S. rights agreement with ESPN+.
As first reported by the New York Post's Jake Aryeh and Erich Richter, the UFC is in discussions for a streaming rights deal with Netflix that could take effect in January 2026 when its existing contract with ESPN expires.
After a disastrous UFC 313 event, many fans in the United States faced a number of major issues when trying to buy the event on ESPN+. Those complainants included double-charged, black screens or transactions that failed, memory people without the fight millions had anticipated between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev.
By this point, things had escalated, and UFC CEO Dana White was forced to stream the fight's first few moments between Pereira and Ankalaev on his television monitor at cage-side, which had garnered over 20,000 views on Instagram. "It got back to me"; that is how White admitted it in response to questions on the subject at the post-fight news conference.
What Would a UFC-Netflix deal Look Like?"
These days, the UFC and Netflix are not even the least confirming nor denying reports of the project. However, Netflix has gone live and all set with WWE event rights, specific boxing matches, and some NFL games under their umbrella for live sports. Such consideration seemed to match given that both entities are owned by Endeavor.
The biggest question, however, is whether UFC pay-per-view events will be included in a Netflix subscription or whether fans will continue to pay for each event separately.
Negotiations Set to Start Soon
Being that the current agreement of UFC with ESPN runs until the end of 2025, the promotion may begin entertaining partners other than ESPN starting April as per the provisions of the terms of the contract.
UFC fans were greedy to see some more about this future deal and were looking with great impatience at the recent events that have been happening as the ESPN+ frustration continues to grow.
Netflix - WWE history
On January 6, the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) ushered in a new era as it makes its debut on the OTT platform. After over three decades of captivating fans, WWE is transitioning from traditional television screens to streaming services, with the goal of expanding its global audience reach.
WWE’s transition to the OTT world promises to be spectacular, with legendary wrestlers set to appear on the show. Among the confirmed stars is The Rock, who has already assured fans of his presence. Additionally, wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has reportedly confirmed his participation in the event. However, one of the biggest highlights of this new era will be John Cena's farewell tour.