UFC executives are gearing up for a significant week as their exclusive negotiation period with ESPN concludes on Tuesday. This opens the door for other interested parties to present their offers for broadcasting rights starting in 2026.
While Ari Emanuel, CEO of TKO Group Holdings, will spearhead the negotiations, continuing his role from previous UFC broadcast deals, Dana White, the UFC president, is keenly interested in the outcomes. It`s important to note that the end of ESPN`s exclusivity doesn`t prevent them from reaching a new agreement with the UFC. Instead, it simply allows other networks and streaming platforms to participate in the bidding process.
“As soon as the window is open, we will start discussions with various interested parties and explore all available options,” White stated at the UFC 314 post-fight press conference. “As we’ve mentioned before, there might come a time when we are broadcast across multiple networks, similar to other major sports.”
“I value our relationship with ESPN. Although we had some initial challenges, which is normal in any partnership, we are currently in a very positive place. Whether we renew our contract with them or not, I have only positive things to say about my experience with ESPN.”
There`s been considerable speculation about the UFC potentially dividing its broadcast rights package among several providers. Many believe the promotion might partner with a major streaming service like Netflix.
Netflix`s substantial $5 billion, 10-year deal for WWE`s Monday Night Raw is well-known, and both WWE and UFC share the same ownership. Furthermore, Netflix executives have previously expressed caution about bidding for traditional sports due to the seasonal format not aligning with their content strategy.
This is not an issue for the UFC, as they host events throughout the year. White is confident that his organization will collaborate with any broadcast partner to meet their specific needs.
“I’m unsure about the specifics of the new deal,” White commented. “It will depend on the requirements of ESPN or any other network we partner with. Typically, these deals are tailored to the network`s needs. They also have existing programming and sports commitments at certain times. It’s always subject to change. It doesn’t concern me.”
Mark Shapiro, president of TKO Group Holdings, has echoed similar sentiments regarding the UFC’s broadcast rights deal. He has indicated that the UFC is open to various possibilities, including a deal where a broadcast partner might pay sufficiently to eliminate the need for pay-per-view events in the future.
While White couldn`t speculate on future scenarios, especially with negotiations just beginning, he didn`t seem averse to the idea of moving away from pay-per-view.
“We will adapt to what works best for the network and their objectives,” White said. “Do they want to broadcast events directly? Do they want to utilize pay-per-view? Do they want to make it exclusive to subscribers? I don’t have those answers yet. The window opens on Tuesday, and as we engage in discussions with other networks, we will gain more clarity.”
Regarding the desired price for the new broadcast rights deal, with rumors suggesting the UFC is seeking at least $1 billion annually—a significant increase from the current $300 million per year ESPN contract—White simply responded, “sounds good to me!”
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely