UFC considers leaving ESPN due to disastrous streaming problems
- The UFC has faced technical difficulties with ESPN+ during major events, leading to significant fan frustration.
- Pay-per-view buys have reportedly dropped due to these streaming issues, prompting the UFC to reconsider its partnership.
- The promotion is actively exploring potential new broadcasting deals, including a possible move to Netflix.
In the United States, the UFC has expressed growing dissatisfaction with its partnership with ESPN, particularly regarding the streaming service ESPN+. The MMA promotion has faced significant technical difficulties during recent pay-per-view events, leading to a decline in pay-per-view buys. The frustration reached its peak during the UFC 313 event, where fans experienced severe buffering and connectivity problems, causing widespread anger across social media. UFC president Dana White confirmed this sentiment after the event, emphasizing the numerous complaints from fans about the purchasing process on ESPN+. The partnership between the UFC and ESPN began in 2019 under a five-year exclusive agreement, which aimed to make ESPN+ the primary platform for UFC events. However, since then, there have been growing concerns over the reliability of ESPN’s streaming infrastructure. Frequent outages and lagging streams have not only upset viewers but have also resulted in reduced revenue for both the UFC and ESPN as pay-per-view sales declined. Recent missteps have led to speculation that the UFC is exploring other options for broadcasting, including a potential move to Netflix. This discontent is further compounded by ESPN's recent decisions to shift its focus away from UFC programming toward sports like the NBA and WNBA. Analysts suggest this strategic pivot is indicative of ESPN's diminishing interest in the UFC brand, sparking worry from UFC executives about the future of their partnership. As a result, the UFC is reportedly considering negotiation strategies to find a new platform that can meet their broadcasting needs, especially in light of ESPN's challenges. If the UFC successfully transitions to an alternative streaming service like Netflix, this could usher in a significant change in the landscape of sports broadcasting. Previous successes on Netflix with live events, such as high-profile boxing matches, suggest that the service is keen on broadening its sports offerings. A potential collaboration could not only provide the UFC with a more reliable platform with a commitment to viewer experience but may also enhance Netflix's position in the sports broadcasting realm, following its recent substantial agreement with WWE. This puts the UFC at a pivotal moment in deciding its broadcasting future.