UFC executives are preparing for a huge week after the exclusive negotiating window with ESPN comes to an end on Tuesday, which means potential suitors can start making a pitch at landing the broadcast rights for the next TV deal starting in 2026.
While TKO Group Holdings CEO Ari Emanuel is going to lead negotiations just like he’s done for the UFC for the past couple of broadcast deals — dating back before he even owned the company — UFC boss Dana White obviously has a vested interest in how this all plays out. To be clear, the exclusive negotiating window with ESPN coming to a close doesn’t mean the Disney-owned network can’t strike a new deal with the UFC but instead this just opens up the bidding for other networks and possible streaming partners to get involved.
“When the window opens, we’ll obviously start talking to lots of different people and we’ll see what the options are out there,” White said during the UFC 314 post-fight press conference. “We’ve said this every time. There could be a time when we end up on several different networks like all other sports do.
“I like ESPN. I’ve said it many times, we had a bit of a rocky start, which is normal in any relationship, but we’re in a great place with ESPN. If we re-sign with them or do not, I have nothing but great things to say about my time at ESPN.”
Dana White addresses new UFC TV deal as exclusive negotiating window with ESPN comes to an end
Dana White discussed his hopes for the new UFC broadcast deal with the exclusive negotiating window with ESPN closing on Tuesday, which means the promotion can start discussing bids with other potential partners.
