UFC and Netflix Partnership in Development Following WWE Deal

Following widespread technical difficulties at UFC 313, a new report suggests that the UFC is considering a broadcasting deal with Netflix to replace its current U.S. rights agreement with ESPN+. 

As first reported by the New York Post's Jake Aryeh and Erich Richter, the UFC is in talks with Netflix about a streaming rights deal that could go into effect in January 2026, when its current contract with ESPN ends. 

Following the disastrous UFC 313 event, many fans in the United States encountered a number of significant issues when attempting to purchase the event on ESPN+. Those complainants included double-charged, black screens, or failed transactions, as well as memory people who missed the fight that millions had hoped for between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev.

By this point, things had gotten out of hand, and UFC CEO Dana White was forced to live-stream the first few moments of the fight between Pereira and Ankalaev on his cage-side television monitor, which had received over 20,000 Instagram views. "It got back to me," White admitted when asked about it at the post-fight news conference. 

What Does a UFC-Netflix Deal Look Like?

These days, neither the UFC nor Netflix have confirmed or denied reports of the project. However, Netflix has gone live and is fully prepared with WWE event rights, specific boxing matches, and some NFL games under their live sports umbrella. Such consideration appeared to be appropriate given that Endeavor owns both entities.

The most pressing question, however, is whether UFC pay-per-view events will be included in a Netflix subscription or if fans will have to pay for each event separately.

Negotiations set to begin soon

Because the UFC's current agreement with ESPN expires at the end of 2025, the promotion may begin entertaining partners other than ESPN in April, according to the contract's terms. 

UFC fans were eager to learn more about this future deal, and they were watching recent events with great impatience as ESPN+ frustration grew.

Netflix - WWE History

On January 6, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) began a new era by making its debut on the OTT platform. After over three decades of enthralling fans, WWE is shifting from traditional television screens to streaming services in order to broaden its global reach.

WWE's foray into the OTT world promises to be spectacular, with legendary wrestlers scheduled to appear on the show. Among the confirmed stars is The Rock, who has already assured fans of his appearance. Hulk Hogan, the legendary wrestler, has also reportedly confirmed his participation in the event. However, one of the most memorable aspects of this new era will be John Cena's farewell tour.