Over the past year, many major mixed martial arts organizations have inked broadcast partnerships with exclusive online streaming services. The first domino to fall in North America was, of course, the UFC.
Previously paired with FOX Sports, the UFC surprised many when they signed a deal with the Disney Corporation and its sports entertainment property, ESPN. Surprising or not that the family company would bring in such content, the crux of this stemmed from where the deal placed the broadcasts. Under this deal, UFC events will mainly see light on the networks ‘new’ paid streaming service, ESPN+.