Some new details have emerged about the UFC’s forthcoming broadcasting and digital rights deal with ESPN, which is set to begin next year.
Essentially the new information confirms that not much will change in terms of the way the UFC currently operates with regards to the scheduling and timing of it’s events after the switch to ESPN and ESPN+.
“I spoke with UFC VP of International and Content David Shaw today and received some clarification on details of the new TV rights deal with ESPN and how it affects international viewers,” TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter wrote on Twitter.
“ESPN’s ten linear events will be treated as premium events like UFC on FOX events are
-The ESPN+ events will have similar pacing to TV cards as they will be televised internationally
-The pay-per-view model will remain the same with ESPN+ added as an additional distributor.
-Most main cards will begin at 10:00 pm et as they do now
-ESPN+ deal gives flexibility for international shows to start in that market’s prime time rather than catering to North American prime time.”
What was also previously established is that the UFC now plans to host a total of 42 events per year, which is very much in the ballpark of previous years, with 2017 having had 39, while both 2015 and 2016 delivered 41.
