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TKO COO Mark Shapiro Details the Sticking Point That Killed UFC’s Netflix Negotiations

Related Topics: Mark Shapiro

The UFC has secured a huge new broadcasting deal with Paramount, signing a 7-year contract worth an incredible $7.7 billion, which starts in 2026. This move comes after the promotion’s partnership with ESPN fell apart in recent years, mainly due to low pay-per-view numbers and major streaming outages during events like UFC 304 and UFC 313. Earlier this month, reports confirmed that ESPN was never seriously considered for a renewal, as the MMA juggernaut was unhappy with the existing $500 million per year agreement.

For a long time, many believed Netflix would land the rights.