UFC reaches $750 million deal with Walt Disney company and ESPN

UFC have announced a partnership with ESPN+, The Walt Disney Company’s new Direct-To-Consumer & International segment along with ESPN.

It is understood ESPN+ will offer up to 15 “Fight Night” cards per year and bring the organisation $750 million over five years, across a variety of ESPN’s television, social and digital platforms, in English and Spanish, taking effect in January 2019.

ESPN+ currently costs $4.99 a month ($49.99 per year). Along with the live, exclusive events, the new deal will also offer  Fight Pass events and UFC pay-per-view events for an additional price.

In a news release, ESPN and UFC noted they have more than “280 million fans around the world and UFC boasts the youngest fan base among major professional sports organisations in the US with a median age of 40 and an audience comprising 40% millennials.”

UFC President Dana White stated in a news release “We will now have the ability to deliver fights to our young fan base wherever they are and whenever they want it. This deal is a home run for ESPN and UFC.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to partner with The Walt Disney Company and ESPN on an agreement that will continue to grow our sport,” White Said.

Kevin Mayer, Chairman, Direct to Consumer and International, The Walt Disney Company said: “One of our goals for ESPN+ is to bring sports fans of all genres content they love and are passionate about, and this agreement with UFC is illustrative of exactly that.  We look forward to providing UFC’s enthusiastic, growing fan base with a wide array of live events and building a lasting relationship with the industry leader in mixed martial arts.” 

Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN President and Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks said: “UFC is a premier global sports property with legions of incredibly avid fans.  We are excited to be able to bring their world-class events and content to ESPN+ and the ESPN networks.  This agreement shows the commitment we have to delivering fans the very best across our entire platform.”