MMA

UFC owners address concerns over new TV deal, future of UFC APEX shows, and The Sphere being ‘one and done’

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Much of the focus regarding the future of UFC in 2024 — and beyond — likely lies with the upcoming broadcast rights deal, with negotiations set to open later this year.

UFC’s current broadcast deal with ESPN runs through 2025, but there’s been a lot of speculation over whether or not the promotion will return to the Disney-owned company for another exclusive deal, or perhaps split up a package between multiple networks similar to other major sports leagues like the NFL.

In a Wednesday financial call, TKO Group Holdings President Mark Shapiro continued to praise the relationship UFC maintains with ESPN, but also admitted that it’s impossible not to listen to all available offers.

Notably, WWE, which is also owned by TKO, signed new broadcast rights deals that start in 2024, with both of the organization’s major shows — Raw and Smackdown — moving to new outlets. That doesn’t necessarily mean UFC is destined to do the same, but the new broadcast rights deal will almost certainly attract numerous potential suitors.

“As far as multiple partners, one partner, we’ll see what happens when we get there,” Shapiro said. “Our window opens up in mid-January, it’s a three-month window with the UFC and Walt Disney Company. They’re a great partner. They’re the best marketing machine in the business and they are the No. 1 premiere, automatic destination for sports fans everywhere, certainly in the U.S. That is the first-stop shop, that is the go-to when it comes to looking for sports events.

 

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