TNT Sports has expressed interest in bidding for the UFC’s broadcast rights once its exclusive negotiating window with ESPN ends in April 2025, as the MMA organization seeks new deals potentially involving multiple networks and streaming services, including Netflix.
The UFC is gearing up for a whirlwind of interest from various networks and streaming platforms as it prepares to negotiate its upcoming broadcast rights. TNT Sports has publicly thrown its hat in the ring, eager to join the bidding frenzy.
Currently, the UFC’s deal with ESPN wraps up at the end of 2025. Until April 15, they’re locked in an exclusive negotiation phase with Disney’s network. After that? It’s open season for other suitors like TNT Sports, whose CEO, Luis Silberwasser, is keen to dive into talks.
TNT Sports, under the Warner Bros. Discovery umbrella, recently parted ways with NBA after a 34-year partnership. They’re eyeing the UFC as a potential new jewel in their sports crown. Their portfolio already includes NCAA March Madness—talk about a sports buffet!
"We like both," Silberwasser shared on The Varsity podcast, referring to UFC and F1 racing. He’s clearly smitten with the potential these sports bring. Formula One is no slouch either; it’s revving up in popularity here.
Despite Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav playing down new sports investments post-NBA loss, Silberwasser seems to think otherwise. Adding UFC could be just the ticket for TNT Sports’ lineup.
Right now, all things UFC air through ESPN and ESPN+. But a new deal could shake things up. Imagine TNT Sports snagging some Fight Night events while Netflix swoops in for those juicy pay-per-view matches.
Though offers can’t be entertained until after April 15, don’t hold your breath for ESPN to seal the deal before then. The clock’s ticking!
Netflix might be the dark horse here. They’ve already scored big with a $5 billion WWE deal. With WWE and UFC under TKO Group Holdings, it’s not far-fetched to see them eyeing UFC next.
TNT Sports won’t be flying solo in this race. The UFC’s rumored to want over $1 billion annually starting 2026. A pretty penny, indeed!