The world of sports broadcasting was recently shaken by a massive deal that left one streaming giant feeling let down. Netflix, despite being a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, was reportedly 'disappointed' after failing to secure the UFC broadcast rights, which instead went to Paramount in a staggering $7.7 billion, seven-year agreement. But here's where it gets controversial: Netflix was initially in the running and had even come 'very' close to sealing the deal, according to TKO CEO Ari Emanuel. So, what went wrong? And this is the part most people miss: Netflix’s interest was limited to the UFC’s biggest pay-per-view events, leaving out the 30-plus Fight Night events that happen annually. 'They didn’t want the volume,' TKO president Mark Shapiro explained. 'They only wanted the premium.' This all-or-nothing approach ultimately led to the deal falling apart, as the UFC traditionally prefers a single broadcast partner for all its events.
The UFC’s decision to stick with one partner is a bold move in an era where leagues like the NBA are splitting their broadcast rights among multiple networks. Emanuel even admitted, 'We would have had to do what the NBA did and break up the package,' but he and Shapiro were 'fighting about that the whole time.' This raises a thought-provoking question: Is the UFC’s single-partner strategy outdated, or is it a smarter long-term play? Paramount’s willingness to take on the entire package, including shifting away from the traditional pay-per-view model, clearly aligned better with the UFC’s vision. Subscribers will now enjoy all UFC events, including the marquee numbered cards, at no additional cost—a game-changer for fans.
Netflix’s loss is Paramount’s gain, but the streaming giant isn’t entirely out of the sports game. They’ve already secured a 10-year, $5 billion deal for WWE’s Monday Night Raw starting in 2025. Still, Emanuel noted that Netflix executives Bella Bajaria and Ted Sarandos were 'incredible' in their negotiations, leaving the door open for future collaborations. But here’s a controversial take: Could Netflix’s selective approach to sports rights be a strategic misstep, or are they simply playing the long game? Let’s discuss—do you think Netflix missed a golden opportunity, or did they dodge a bullet by not taking on the entire UFC package? Share your thoughts in the comments!
