‘I’ve Good Inside Source’: Ex-Fighter Asserts UFC-Netflix Reports Not True, Says Dana White Won’t Ruin His Business Model

‘I’ve Good Inside Source’: Ex-Fighter Asserts UFC-Netflix Reports Not True, Says Dana White Won’t Ruin His Business Model

  • 18.03.2025 00:00
  • thesportsrush.com
  • Keywords: danger, success

Ex-UFC fighter Brendan Schaub claims reports of a UFC-Netflix deal are untrue, asserting Dana White won’t abandon the pay-per-view model. He suggests the UFC may use multiple platforms like Amazon for major events while keeping PPV nights on ESPN.

Amazon ReportsNFLXsentiment_satisfiedAMZNsentiment_neutral
open_in_newOriginal article

Estimated market influence

UFC

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

The UFC is facing challenges with their current PPV model and partnership with ESPN. They are exploring options to expand into streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon.

Netflix

Netflix

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Netflix has successfully entered the combat sports market with WWE and is looking to expand further with UFC, which could enhance their content offerings and subscriber base.

ESPN

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

ESPN is reportedly unhappy with PPV numbers and faces potential loss of UFC content if a Netflix deal materializes. Their partnership with UFC is in limbo.

WWE

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

WWE has successfully transitioned to Netflix, setting a precedent for the UFC's potential move.

Amazon

Amazon

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Amazon is mentioned as a possible platform for UFC fights, but no direct impact or role is specified yet.

Context

Analysis of UFC-Netflix Deal Speculation and Market Implications

Key Facts and Data Points

  • UFC Contract with ESPN:

    • Current deal expires at the end of the year.
    • Issues reported include:
      • Technical glitches affecting PPV purchases (e.g., UFC 313 incident).
      • Declining PPV buy rates, impacting fighter earnings tied to PPV points.

  • UFC Pay-Per-View Model:

    • Fans pay $79.99 per event in the U.S.
    • Price increases annually.
    • Ad-filled presentations and political criticism (e.g., UFC's promotion of Trump) have hurt fan sentiment.

  • Netflix's Entry into Combat Sports:

    • Already streamed Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight to acclaim.
    • WWE RAW on Netflix reached 4.9 million views, up from 1.596 million on cable.

  • Brendan Schaub's Claims:

    • "Inside source" suggests UFC will adopt a multi-platform strategy similar to NFL (e.g., Amazon for select events).
    • Netflix isn't the highest bidder; PPV and major fight nights may stay with ESPN, while niche events could move to streaming platforms.

Market Trends and Business Impact

  • Shift to Streaming Platforms:

    • Combat sports moving from traditional TV (ESPN) to streaming services (Netflix/Amazon).
    • WWE's success on Netflix indicates potential for MMA content.

  • UFC's Strategic Dilemma:

    • Balancing PPV model with streaming opportunities.
    • Risk of alienating PPV customers if events move to streaming platforms.

Competitive Dynamics

  • ESPN vs. Streaming Platforms:

    • ESPN faces competition from Netflix and Amazon for UFC content.
    • Technical issues and declining PPV numbers may push UFC toward streaming partners.

  • Netflix's Expansion Strategy:

    • Building credibility in combat sports with WWE, targeting MMA as next step.
    • Potential to disrupt traditional sports media models.

Long-Term Effects and Regulatory Considerations

  • Revenue Model Shift:

    • Possible transition from PPV to subscription-based revenue streams.
    • Impact on fighter earnings tied to PPV points.

  • Antitrust and Market Dominance:

    • Potential regulatory scrutiny if Netflix or Amazon gain significant control over sports content distribution.

Strategic Considerations

  • Multi-Platform Approach:

    • UFC may adopt NFL-like strategy, distributing events across multiple platforms (ESPN, Netflix, Amazon).
    • Maintaining PPV for major events while experimenting with streaming for niche fights.

  • Fan Engagement and Satisfaction:

    • Addressing technical issues and improving presentation quality to retain PPV customers.
    • Balancing political messaging to avoid alienating fans.

Conclusion

The UFC's potential move to Netflix signals a broader industry shift toward streaming platforms. While this could expand reach and revenue, it also poses risks to the traditional PPV model. Strategic decisions will hinge on balancing fan satisfaction, financial interests, and competitive dynamics in the evolving sports media landscape.