ESPN and its subscription-based broadband service, ESPN+, will offer mixed-martial arts fans a new array of UFC matches and special programming under a new rights deal unveiled Tuesday.
The pact, the first between ESPN and UFC, calls for the two companies to stream 15 live UFC events exclusively on ESPN+ under the title “UFC on ESPN+ Fight Night.” Each will deliver a full card of 12 UFC bouts. ESPN will make available a variety of UFC content across its cable networks and digital outlets, including an exclusive, 30-minute special on ESPN’s linear networks previewing upcoming bouts and breaking down match ups leading up to each UFC pay per view event, along with hundreds of hours of UFC library programming and re-airs of current UFC PPV events.
Such a deal has been anticipated since Variety reported in April that ESPN and Fox Sports were willing to split rights to gain access to a broader package of telecasts. At the time, ESPN had signaled that it would be willing to pay $120 million to $180 million per year to add the Endeavor-owned mixed martial arts league to its collection of live-event rights. Meanwhile, Fox, which currently pays $120 million per year UFC rights, would be willing see that number increase to a little more than $200 million. Fox’s current package includes four Saturday-night fights per year on Fox Broadcasting and a number of fight events on cabler Fox Sports 1 that has increased annually under its current agreement
