Dana White has been a key figure in securing broadcast deals that have been instrumental in propelling UFC to its current position as a major player in the sports world. However, not all deals have been smooth sailing, as White recently disclosed in an interview with FOX News.
White shared that a deal with HBO fell apart at the last minute because he was not willing to compromise on how UFC fights were produced. Despite already having the deal in place, White withdrew when HBO wanted to make changes that he felt would have a negative impact on the UFC brand.
White also voiced his dissatisfaction with HBO’s boxing coverage, calling out the commentators and analysts for their subpar performance. He stressed that UFC prioritizes the athletes and event quality over the opinions of commentators.
Another potential deal with CBS, which included a billion-dollar offer to acquire the company, also hit a roadblock due to disagreements in a conference call. White recounted a heated argument with individuals from Showtime, whom he had strong negative feelings towards, resulting in the collapse of the CBS deal.
Despite these setbacks, UFC was later sold to talent agency Endeavor for over $4 billion in 2016, marking a significant milestone in sports history. White’s challenges with unsuccessful deals offer valuable insights into safeguarding the integrity and vision of the UFC brand.
