Netflix Co-CEO Addresses UFC Rights Amid Dana White’s Promotion Nearing End Of ESPN Deal
As the UFC’s deal with ESPN nears its end in 2025, streaming giants like Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Netflix are stepping into the spotlight. While the fight for broadcasting rights heats up, Netflix’s co-CEO shared a glimpse into the platform’s future with sports, hinting at a strong focus on major live events—ones that not only excite fans but also make business sense. With Dana White’s UFC on the table, the streaming wars might just enter a new round.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently spoke about the company’s interest in live sports, like the UFC, as the UFC’s deal with ESPN is close to ending. He didn’t mention the UFC directly but made it clear that Netflix is only interested in big, special events that lots of people want to watch.
He said their live event strategy hasn’t changed—they want events that are exciting and popular but also make financial sense. That means they aren’t likely to spend a lot of money on long-term sports deals unless they believe it’s really worth it.
He said, “Our live event strategy is unchanged, and we remain really focused on the big breakthrough events. Our audiences love them, and so anything, anything we chase, in the event space or the sports space, is a deal that has to make economic sense as well.”
Netflix has recently had success with one-time live events, like the upcoming Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight and a new deal with WWE’s Monday Night Raw. So, while Netflix may pursue the UFC, they’ll only do so if the deal matches their style—big, attention-grabbing, and financially smart.
UFC Boss Dana White Open To Change PPV Model
White recently addressed the future of pay-per-view (PPV) following the end of UFC’s TV deal with ESPN. He emphasized that the UFC’s approach to broadcasting has always been about aligning with the network’s preferences. White admitted the UFC hasn’t decided whether to continue with PPV or move future events behind paywalls. As talks with potential new networks begin, the UFC is actively exploring different ways to deliver its events to fans.
As talks with other networks begin, the UFC is actively exploring how it will make its events available to fans. White noted that the focus will be on finding a solution that works both for the UFC and the network, ensuring fans continue to enjoy the action in a way that makes sense for everyone involved.
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Netflix Co-CEO Addresses UFC Rights Amid Dana White’s Promotion Nearing End Of ESPN Deal
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