The Walt Disney Company has reached a multi-year media agreement with the mixed martial arts organization UFC. Starting in January 2019 the programming will be viewed via the new direct-to-consumer streaming service ESPN+, ESPN’s television platforms, as well as social and digital platforms.
ESPN President and Co-Chairman of Disney Media Networks Jimmy Pitaro said of the agreement,
“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.”
ESPN+ will stream 15 exclusive live events, each will be “a full card of 12 UFC bouts.” These segments will be marketed as “UFC on ESPN+ Fight Night.” In addition to the live events, ESPN+ will also air:
- Brand new seasons of “Dana White’s Contender Series” beginning in June 2019,
- An original series produced by IMG Original Content
- Pre- and post-event shows for every one of the “UFC on ESPN+ Fight Nights”
- Access to the full catalog of UFC’s previous programming
- Press conferences, weigh-ins, and more
UFC FIGHT PASS® can be viewed on ESPN+ but will come at an additional cost in addition to ESPN+’s monthly subscription cost of $4.99.
UFC President Dana White said of the agreement,
“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.”
Credit: UFC
