Variety reports that ESPN and Fox Sports are coming together to bid for the television rights for the UFC. The companies will split the UFC TV package and we will see 15 fight events moving to new subscription streaming service ESPN+.
ESPN, according to sources, ESPN is willing to pay $120-$180 million per year. Fox currently pays $120 million per year.
The number of fights from Fox would “decline slightly” according to the report.
Last spring a Sports Business Journal article indicated that the UFC was looking for a rights package of $450 million per year. The Variety article notes that it reportedly sought $300-$400 million per year.
But the ratings decline on Fox are glaring. The article states that Saturday-night broadcasts fell 22% from the previous year. This past Saturday’s UFC on Fox 29 barely surpassed 2 million viewers after the overrun. The “UFC Fight Night” on FS1 averaged 795,000 viewers this year which is reportedly down 17%.
Payout Perspective:
If the rumored deal comes to fruition, it will represent a shakeup for UFC TV that will likely affect UFC Fight Pass. In passing, articles on the media deal have indicated that the digital platform has approximately 400,000 subscribers. With the launch of ESPN’s new OTT platform, the UFC will contribute to the variety of content offered. But, this may mean a loss of exclusivity for Fight Pass which may have to rely on its library to keep its subscription base as MMA fans will have another bill to pay.
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