In 2025, the UFC is set to negotiate a new broadcast rights deal that could significantly increase its revenue, with numerous potential partners interested due to its year-round events, youthful audience, and autonomy over operations, positioning it as a highly valuable sports property amidst evolving media landscapes.
2025 might just be the most significant year in UFC history. Seriously, it could be huge.
Why? Well, the UFC is gearing up for some big-time negotiations on a new broadcast rights deal. The current seven-year contract with ESPN is wrapping up, and there’s chatter that the new deal could double or even triple their revenue over the next decade. Imagine that!
Mark Shapiro, president and COO of TKO Group Holdings (UFC’s parent company), has a few reasons why the UFC is so valuable. He even compares it to the NFL—a broadcasting giant.
“Look at the UFC,” Shapiro said at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference. “It’s a year-round spectacle. No breaks, every weekend, like clockwork. WWE’s similar, but on the UFC side, it’s a churn-buster.”
He added, “We’re not just owners; we’re commissioners and coaches too. Zero bureaucracy here—no 32 teams meeting in hotels to decide things. It all happens in one small office in Vegas.”
The UFC controls every part of its business—from production to fighter pay. Unlike team sports where owners vote on changes and players have unions, UFC does its own thing.
Plus, Shapiro points out that the audience age makes the UFC super attractive to broadcasters.
“Nearly half our viewers are aged 18-34,” he noted. “Get them making buying decisions now, and they’ll stick around—like toothpaste loyalty!”
He joked, “We’ve got apps at home we don’t even use but won’t cancel. UFC can hook young folks into your platform.”
With no major sports properties available for deals soon, UFC’s timing for 2025 couldn’t be better.
Options are robust too—Netflix is diving into live sports after snagging deals with the NFL and WWE’s Monday Night Raw.
Traditional networks won’t easily give up ratings to streamers like Netflix. Shapiro expects lots of interest in UFC’s next deal.
“David Ellison’s eyeing Paramount and CBS; Mark Lazarus is spinning off NBC assets; ESPN’s launching flagship in 2025,” Shapiro explained. “Change is everywhere—in platforms, tech, media—fueling sports demand.”
Streaming giants see sports as key for subscriber growth. Netflix? HBO? Amazon? Apple? All in on sports.
As for what UFC plans to offer partners? Everything’s on the table, says Shapiro.
Splitting broadcast rights among multiple outlets? Maybe.
More fight cards for partners? Could happen.
Ending pay-per-view for a high-paying streamer? Possible too.
Shapiro confirmed: “All of the above.”
“We’ll maximize price for shareholders and brand reach,” Shapiro stated. “ESPN and Disney have been phenomenal partners—creatively supporting us.”
“We’ll do what’s best for our brand—splitting packages or adding fights if needed.”