The big news of the week is the UFC’s five-year, $1.5 billion broadcast arrangement with ESPN (effective 2019), ending a seven-year relationship with FOX Sports. Initially, the UFC had inked a $150 million/year agreement to have up to 15 fight cards air on the ESPN+ streaming service, but the television rights were still up for grabs, leaving FOX and other networks in play. It was soon revealed that FOX would sign a five-year, $1 billion contract to air WWE’s weekly SmackDown shows, calling into question whether or not the UFC and FOX would re-up.
We got out answer late Tuesday night, as another $150 million/year bid went to ESPN, who will air 10 Fight Night cards on its linear networks, as well as pay-per-view preliminary card specials, and 5 more shows on ESPN+.