UFC gives ESPN+ subscribers exclusive access through a multi-year agreement.
ESPN is going all in with the UFC.
The sports broadcasting giant and the world’s leading MMA promotion announced an extension to their partnership this week. ESPN+ the exclusive distributor of UFC Pay-Per-View events in the United States through 2025. The agreement will make ESPN+ the single point of purchase for consumers of the biggest UFC events throughout the year.
The first event is UFC 236: HOLLOWAY vs. POIRIER 2 on April 13 with 12 events per year for the next seven years.
Fans now have a one-stop destination for all their UFC content. Aside from the successful UFC Fight Pass streaming service, the partnership solidifies the UFC as MMA’s content leader.
“Today’s announcement further establishes the strength of the partnership between UFC and ESPN,” said UFC President Dana White. “Now our fans will be able to watch all UFC events exclusively on ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, which is an innovative way to deliver fights to our young fan base. I couldn’t be more excited to work with ESPN for the next seven years. Together we’re going to do amazing things to help grow this sport.”
The subscription service based ESPN+ is in direct competition with DAZN.
The new streaming service has Bellator MMA and Combate Americas in its MMA offerings. ESPN+ is looking to steer subscribers away by matching DAZN’s aggressive signings in both MMA and boxing.
ESPN recently announced its signing of Tyson Fury via promoter Top Rank. After the successful fight against Deontay Wilder, Fury has become a new American fan favorite. ESPN+ PPV also boasts the April 20th matchup between Terence Crawford and Amir Khan.
DAZN has made waves with its huge boxing signings of Canelo Alvarez and recently Gennady Golovkin.
