As the UFC’s blockbuster partnership with ESPN expires in 2025, speculation about a new broadcasting partner has already begun — and Joe Rogan has just announced a significant shift behind the scenes. On Episode #2309 of The Joe Rogan Experience, the UFC commentator provided an important update about the company’s future. “You know, they’re talking about doing the UFC on Netflix, yep,” he confirmed. “Apparently, I think the UFC’s negotiation period with ESPN ended. So, what that means is they could talk to other people.” That “other people” includes Netflix, the $469 billion streaming behemoth that recently signed a landmark $10 billion agreement with WWE.
WWE and the UFC are both owned by TKO Group Holdings, which makes the hypothetical merger seem even more likely. But with the UFC apparently asking about $1 billion per year for its next rights agreement, nothing is guaranteed. Nonetheless, Joe Rogan’s statements indicate that the exclusive contract with ESPN has expired, allowing Dana White to pursue other opportunities. It’s a significant change, especially given the recent run of technical mishaps that have plagued ESPN’s handling of pay-per-views — a theme that UFC fans are growing tired of.
One of those failures, according to comic Joey Diaz, may have been the tipping point. “That f—— thing that night when everything fell apart—that wasn’t a bad night, (UFC 313) When the ball dropped—not this card but the one before that—when the pay-per-views, when all the disaster started, it was about pay-per-views one night that nobody was getting the pay-per-view,” Diaz stated on the same podcast. Rogan further asked, “Oh, right—one of the PPVs, the app failed, right?” To this, Diaz replied that it was possibly too overwhelming for the UFC. He said, “I think, because s— happens. But this must have been bad.”
Credits: Imago
Even before the broadcast troubles began, that night—UFC 313 — was chaos. Two fights were canceled mere hours before the event due to fighter illness, postponing the start time by nearly an hour. But things got worse once the main program started: frequent app crashes stopped viewers from purchasing or viewing the pay-per-view. Coming so soon after another ESPN+ debacle at UFC 304, frustration boiled up. For Joe Rogan and Diaz, UFC 313 was more than just a hiccup; it was the moment the UFC realized it might be time to move on. However, it seems like even moving on won’t be too easy.
Netflix co-CEO casts major shadow over Dana White’s ambitions
Dana White’s decision to renegotiate its television rights deal comes as several possible suitors are eyeing the multibillion-dollar sports industry. Netflix’s potential attraction, particularly in light of its big $10 billion purchase of WWE’s broadcasting rights, has elevated it to the forefront of these talks. Despite this, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos appears to put doubt on Dana White’s plans for a high-profile, long-term alliance. While the UFC may be hoping for a contract similar to WWE’s, Sarandos is cautious about committing to such a plan.
During a recent Netflix investor call, Sarandos was asked about the company’s interest in acquiring UFC broadcast rights. His comment merely complicated the situation. Rather than pursuing a complete sports contract, Netflix looks to be sticking with its approach of “big, breakthrough events.” Sarandos and his staff appear to prefer one-time events such as the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing fight and the much-anticipated Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano rematch. His comments made it obvious that, while Netflix is interested in live events, the firm is hesitant to commit to a year-round sports package, particularly given the possibility of subscriber drop-offs between seasons.
Despite this, there is still hope for UFC fans. Sarandos’ plan of capitalizing on high-profile events may still allow room for the UFC’s major pay-per-views, which are held on a regular basis throughout the year. Netflix’s experience with live sports, while limited, has proven beneficial with the appropriate type of event. The UFC, with over 40 events per year, provides the type of constant excitement that may make a partnership enticing. However, whether Netflix will adjust its focus and get into a large sports agreement remains to be seen. As the Dana White-led promotion considers its alternatives, Sarandos’ attitude is likely to have a significant influence in deciding the future of UFC broadcasting. What do you think will happen? Let us know in the comments.
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