ESPN has reportedly reached a multi-year tv and streaming deal with the UFC, which calls for up to 15 live "UFC on ESPN+ Fight Night" events per year, with 12 bouts on each card, according to ESPN. The new deal will go into effect in January 2019.
"UFC is a premier global sports property with legions of incredibly avid fans," ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro said. "We are excited to be able to bring their world-class events and content to ESPN+ and ESPN Networks. This agreement shows the commitment we have to delivering fans the very best across our entire platform."
"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," said UFC president Dana White. "UFC has always done deals with the right partners at the right time and this one is no exception. We will now have the ability to deliver fights to our young fan base wherever they are and whenever they want. This deal is a home run for ESPN and UFC."
According to ESPN, the company will also air UFC content across multiple platforms, including a 30-minute special before every UFC pay-per-view event, as well as re-airs of previous fights. ESPN+, which launched last month at a price of $4.99 per month, will also carry the UFC's Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series beginning in June 2019.