Less than two weeks after it was reported that ESPN will no longer host UFC live events starting in 2026, new information suggests the network plans to buy UFC Fight Pass and the UFC’s video library.
According to Blake Avignon, citing multiple unnamed sources, the deal is not finalized but discussions have advanced. Avignon explains that ESPN plans to integrate the UFC archive and select live content into its new direct-to-consumer app.
ESPN launched the app on August 21 with two subscription tiers. The $11.99/month ESPN Select tier offers access to ESPN+ content. The $29.99/month ESPN Unlimited tier provides access to all ESPN content.
ESPN eyes UFC Fight Pass and video library
The exact portion of the UFC’s video library that would appear on ESPN’s app remains unclear. This includes the archives of promotions acquired by the UFC, such as PRIDE, WEC, and Strikeforce.
It is also uncertain how the acquisition would affect regional and smaller promotions airing on UFC Fight Pass. Promotions like LFA, CFFC, and Fury FC could face changes. The future of discipline-focused programs such as UFC BJJ and the UFC Fight Pass Invitational competitions also remains uncertain.
The archives for Dana White’s Contender Series and The Ultimate Fighter are available on UFC Fight Pass. Observers speculate that if ESPN acquires Fight Pass, both programs could remain on ESPN. Neither program joined the UFC’s recent deal with Paramount. This could create a split of UFC properties across multiple networks and streaming services, a possibility noted during initial discussions about UFC’s U.S. broadcasting rights after 2025.
Paramount deal and live events
The UFC and Paramount agreed to a seven-year, $7.7 billion U.S. broadcasting contract. It covers 43 live events annually: 13 UFC numbered cards and 30 UFC Fight Night events. Select numbered cards will also air on the CBS network.
The future of the PFL remains uncertain, as its U.S. broadcasting deal with ESPN expires at the end of 2026.
ESPN expands sports content
Despite losing UFC live events, ESPN has made several acquisitions in August. Early in the month, the network acquired NFL assets including NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and NFL Fantasy. In return, the NFL gained a 10 percent ownership stake in ESPN.
One day ago, ESPN secured MLB.TV rights, incorporating out-of-market broadcasts and in-market coverage for five MLB teams into its streaming service.
ESPN also gained U.S. broadcasting rights for WWE Premium Live Events, a sibling company of UFC under the TKO umbrella. Initially, the deal was set to begin in March 2026 after WWE’s agreement with Peacock ended. A new arrangement now starts the deal with WWE WrestlePalooza on September 20.
