UFC president Dana White has provided an update on the potential future of the organization’s streaming destination going forward.
Dana White Talks About What Could Be Next in Media Rights
Following the conclusion of the blockbuster UFC 314 card, Dana White was present at the post-fight press conference to speak with various media outlets, such as his overall reaction to the bouts, next steps for the winning fighters and also who could become the next broadcast partner to the organization.
With the exclusive negotiating window for ESPN to continue streaming UFC events now closed as of Tuesday, White opened up about how the UFC were going to explore as many options as possible.
“When the window opens, we’ll obviously start talking to lots of different people and we’ll see what the options are out there,” Dana White began. “I said this every time: “There could be a time when we end up on several different networks like all other sports do.”
Dana White Lauds ESPN, Remains Open to Keeping UFC on Network
Joining with ESPN back in 2018, the UFC has had a long-standing relationship with the paramount sports network. Its popular subscription streaming service ESPN+ helped the MMA juggernaut thrive during the turbulent Covid-19 pandemic, giving the UFC a dedicated hub for fans to watch every single show while being forced to stay home. Dana White went on to praise ESPN, saying how he would love to keep working with them given the opportunity.
“I like ESPN,” Dana White continued. “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. Whether we re-sign with them or do not, I have nothing but great things to say about my time at ESPN.”
Dana White Unsure Where UFC Could End Up if ESPN Deal Ends After ’25
Although he remains adamant about his willingness to remain with ESPN, White also acknowledges that where the UFC heads to next depends on what the leading broadcast candidate is looking to do with the global leader in combat sports.
“I don’t know. It depends on what ESPN or wherever else we go is looking for,” he said. “Most of the times when you do these deals, you’re catering to what the network needs. Plus, they’ll have other programming, other sports that they’re already committed to at certain times and seasons and whatever it may be. It always changes. It doesn’t matter to me.”
Dana White also discussed the possibility that the pay-per-view model could end permanently with the new media deal.
“We do what works for the network; what do they want to do?,” Dana White pondered. “Do they want to just put it on their air? Do they want to do pay-per-view? Do they want to put it behind a paywall? I don’t know any of those things. Tuesday, the window opens and we start talking to other networks and we’ll get more into that.”
