Calls Mount for Dana White to Sign $372 Billion Giant as UFC’s 2 TV Broadcast Deals Compared

Valued at $11 billion, the UFC sits atop the MMA world, boasting annual revenues in the billions and a growth rate of 13%—outpacing market expectations. But despite the dominance, a storm brews behind the scenes. The UFC’s $2.1 billion broadcast deal with ESPN is nearing its end, and CEO Dana White is feeling the heat. The pressure is on – to steer the promotion into its next era, with multiple contenders vying for the opportunity. Rumor has it that Netflix has caught White’s eye as the next big thing. Amid the chaos, fans are rallying behind the idea.

The relationship between ESPN and the UFC has been termed a “Bad Marriage” in the streets of combat sports. Why? That’s because the promotion is unhappy with the recent mishaps during the UFC 313 mega card on ESPN+, where a technical glitch prevented fans from purchasing the pay-per-view and caused them to miss the fights. When asked about the fiasco, the UFC CEO asserted, “Oh yeah, it made it to me. They were having problems buying it on ESPN+. I don’t know what happened with their platform tonight. There were a lot of pissed-off people.”

Rumors suggest that the top brass of the promotion is not happy with ESPN’s actions, and in addition, ESPN is also dissatisfied as the PPV numbers have been declining for quite some time. Amidst the chaotic times, renowned MMA journalist Damon Martin has come forward to share an interesting statistic, which showcased that the UFC’s rise in the media is nothing short of extraordinary. According to Variety, the promotion’s average annual broadcast rights fee jumped from $120 million with FOX to $300 million with ESPN.

The UFC’s last two broadcast rights deals from FOX and ESPN, via Variety.

The average yearly value went from $120M to $300M and this next deal could crack $1 billion per year.

Crazy to even think there was a time when the UFC had to pay to be on Spike TV #UFC #UFC314 pic.twitter.com/nvYE9mfASi

— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) April 8, 2025

Now, after decades of growth, Dana White is looking to salvage a deal that could give him $1 billion a year in broadcasting rights. As ESPN rethinks its relationship with the UFC, many contenders like Amazon, Warner Bros, and Netflix have come forward to offer deals to the UFC CEO, but many indicators cement Netflix as the next broadcasting partner for the UFC. According to the New York Post, Netflix is “Almost definite” at the landing spot for the UFC broadcasting deal. It must be noted that the $372 billion entity has already entered a decade-long broadcasting deal with UFC’s sister company Monday Night Raw for a massive $5 billion.

The UFC-ESPN broadcasting deal is set to conclude in the second half of the year, and the UFC CEO has limited time before he can consider any other opportunities. With multiple contenders in line, the MMA community has voiced its support for Netflix as its preferred destination.

Dana White gets support from fans for the Netflix broadcasting deal

After sitting out of sports broadcasting for years, Netflix finally woke up and smelled the coffee—and they’ve been unstoppable ever since. From securing a three-year broadcasting agreement with the NFL to clinching a decade-long WWE Monday Night Raw agreement for a massive $5 billion, Netflix has been acquiring sports deals like ‘Infinity Stones.’ Looking at this, a fan wrote, “I’m hoping it’s @netflix The @WWE coverage has been awesome.” 

Furthermore, a curious social media user emphasized that the Netflix might not be interested in being a part of the UFC growth story considering the amount of restructuring they would have to do with the promotion,“Because of how the last deal has worked with the UFC and ESPN I don’t think the increase will be that high. Netflix has a lot of issues including reworking EVERY fighter contract. Not saying it won’t happen, just that there are costs that people aren’t seeing in that move.”

Is this the end of the PPV model? UFC’s PPV numbers have been on the decline since Conor McGregor left the promotion, and as the divisions have been on a dormant stage, it is bound to fall further. As the uncertainty looms, a fan added, “Netflix will probably offer the deal & could also try to acquire MLB rights, I can see them eliminating the PPV model but bundle these (& WWE, Boxing, etc.) into a sports package eventually..sadly lol.”

Moreover, another social media user asked a question: “When should we expect them to get a new deal?” Well, we might witness the announcement of the next broadcasting deal this summer or in the winter, as the ESPN deal is ending soon enough. A fan even wished for the elimination of the PPV model: “I’m hoping the next deal eliminates the PPV model so this sport will grow more.” 

Last but not the least,  a fan appears to be unhappy with the content that the promotion is giving to the fans: “Unbelievably with the poor quality they are pushing out.”

Fans are expecting a high-energy deal that could propel the promotion’s growth for decades. However, with ESPN, that seems a bit far-fetched. Given that, who do you think will land the UFC broadcasting deal? Share your thoughts in the comments below

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