Discussions for the UFC’s future broadcast rights deal post-2023 will commence later this year. While the current partnership with ESPN is in place until 2025, there’s speculation about whether the UFC will stick with ESPN only or explore options with multiple networks, following the trend of other major sports leagues.
During a financial briefing, TKO Group Holdings President Mark Shapiro commended the ties with ESPN but stated they will assess all offers. With WWE, also under TKO, recently finalizing new broadcast rights agreements for Raw and Smackdown from 2024, curiosity arises about the UFC’s next steps.
Analysts foresee the UFC potentially doubling its current ESPN contract with a new broadcast rights deal. Despite concerns regarding the value of sports rights, recent negotiations have revealed a robust demand for premium sports content.
The UFC remains a sought-after asset due to its dedicated fan base and year-round popularity. Despite the financial considerations of hosting events at the UFC APEX, UFC intends to continue organizing both domestic and international events.
The forthcoming event at the Sphere in Las Vegas in September is a one-off due to its high costs. UFC also plans a card at Madison Square Garden later in the year. Additionally, TKO vied for the purchase of Moto GP but was ultimately unsuccessful.
Overall, the future of the UFC in 2024 looks promising with the potential for a lucrative broadcast rights deal and sustained growth in the sport.
