UFC, the mixed martial arts organization, and The Walt Disney Company’s new Direct-To-Consumer & International division along with ESPN, have announced a multi-year media rights agreement for exclusive live UFC content on ESPN+, as well as across a variety of ESPN’s television, social and digital platforms, in English and Spanish, taking effect in January 2019. Each event will be branded “UFC on ESPN+ Fight Night” and will deliver a full card of 12 UFC bouts.
What They Are Saying:
- Kevin Mayer, Chairman, Direct to Consumer and International, The Walt Disney Company: “One of our goals for ESPN+ is to bring sports fans of all genres content they love and are passionate about, and this agreement with UFC is illustrative of exactly that. We look forward to providing UFC’s enthusiastic, growing fan base with a wide array of live events and building a lasting relationship with the industry leader in mixed martial arts.”
- Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN President and Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks: “UFC is a premier global sports property with legions of incredibly avid fans. We are excited to be able to bring their world-class events and content to ESPN+ and the ESPN networks. This agreement shows the commitment we have to delivering fans the very best across our entire platform.”
- Dana White, President, UFC: “I couldn’t be more excited to partner with The Walt Disney Company and ESPN on an agreement that will continue to grow our sport. UFC has always done deals with the right partners at the right time and this one is no exception. We will now have the ability to deliver fights to our young fan base wherever they are and whenever they want it. This deal is a home run for ESPN and UFC.”
What the Deal Includes:
- Exclusive Live Events
- Exclusive, all new-seasons of “Dana White’s Contender Series” beginning in June 2019
- A new original, all access series produced by IMG Original Content
- Exclusive pre- and post-event shows for all 15 “UFC on ESPN+ Fight Nights”
- Non-exclusive access to UFC’s full archive of programming, including historic events, classic bouts, and original programming
- Additional UFC-branded content, including “UFC Countdown” shows, press conferences, weigh-ins and pre-and post-shows
Other Events Available Through ESPN+ At Additional Cost:
- UFC FIGHT PASS (UFC’s DTC streaming offering)
- UFC PPV events
Programming on ESPN Channels:
- 30-minute special previewing upcoming bouts and breaking down match ups leading up to each UFC PPV
- Hundreds of hours of UFC library programming
- Re-airs of current UFC PPV events.
Information About ESPN+
- Available for $4.99 per month ($49.99 per year)
- Available through new ESPN App or ESPNPlus.com