ESPN+ to Become Exclusive Provider of UFC Pay-Per-View Events in U.S.

BREAKING:

UFC Pay-Per-Views are now available for purchase exclusively through ESPN+ (US Only).

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— UFC (@ufc) March 18, 2019

ESPN is pretty close becoming a one-stop shopping destination for fans of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

On Monday, the Las Vegas-based promotion announced an agreement that will make ESPN+ the sole provider of UFC pay-per-views through 2025. In other words, ESPN+ — not various cable or satellite providers — will be the single point of purchase for every UFC pay-per-view event throughout the year.

Additionally, the original five-year, multi-platform agreement between the UFC and ESPN has been extended through 2025.

“Today’s announcement further establishes the strength of the partnership between UFC and ESPN,” said UFC President Dana White. “Now our fans will be able to watch all UFC events exclusively on ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, which is an innovative way to deliver fights to our young fan base. I couldn’t be more excited to work with ESPN for the next seven years. Together we’re going to do amazing things to help grow this sport.”

The deal begins with UFC 236, which takes place on April 13 in Atlanta and is headlined by an interim lightweight championship clash between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. In the co-main event, Kelvin Gastelum and Israel Adesanya will square off for the interim middleweight crown.

Those purchasing UFC PPV events through ESPN+ will be able to view main cards in high definition in English or Spanish on the streaming platform. Prelims will continue to air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, while early prelims will be available to ESPN+ subscribers, those who paid for the PPV or on UFC Fight Pass. The UFC will continue to sell its PPV events to commercial establishments such as restaurants and bars, according to a release.

New ESPN+ subscribers will get a full year of the streaming service and a UFC pay-per-view for $79.99. Existing ESPN+ subscribers will be able to buy UFC pay-per-views for $59.99. Many other providers charged $64.99 for a high definition PPV card.

According to the release, “ESPN+ may explore other potential packaging in the months ahead.”

“With the addition of UFC PPV events, we are making ESPN+ an absolute must-have for any fan of the UFC and mixed martial arts,” said Kevin Mayer, Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer & International, The Walt Disney Company. “In less than a year, ESPN+ has established itself as the leader in direct-to-consumer sports and this new programming agreement adds a significant business to our platform while reinforcing the value and strength of our product and our content lineup.”