Yesterday (April 15, 2025), the exclusive negotiating window between the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and ESPN expired, allowing other media companies—such as Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV—to bid for the UFC’s broadcast rights.
During the exclusive period, ESPN had the sole opportunity to negotiate a new contract with the UFC. However, rumors suggest the partnership strained due to a perceived lack of star power and declining pay-per-view (PPV) sales.
UFC CEO Dana White addressed the end of the negotiating window during the UFC 314 post-fight press conference last weekend (watch here).
“When the window opens, we’ll obviously start talking to lots of different people, and we’ll see we’ll see what the options are out there,” White said “We’ve said this every time: there could be a time when we end up on several different networks like other sports…“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 or do not, I have nothing but great things to say about my time at ESPN.”
Industry insiders increasingly speculate that the UFC may partner with Netflix, where its sister company, WWE, streams its flagship show, Monday Night Raw. Netflix has recently embraced live sports, broadcasting an NFL game and the high-profile boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. The platform is set to host another boxing event this summer, featuring the trilogy bout between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
White has hinted at the possibility of distributing UFC content across multiple services, which could result in a model like this:
Major PPV numbered events on ESPN+
Arena Fight Nights on Netflix
Apex Fight Nights on Amazon
Dana White’s Contender Series on Max
White also expressed openness to eliminating PPVs entirely if a new partner favors that approach. Should this occur, Netflix would likely secure the UFC’s marquee numbered events.
This development is poised to be the most significant story in combat sports for the remainder of 2025, as it could reshape the UFC and transform how fans access its events.
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