UFC boss Dana White confirms shift in fighter compensation under fresh $7.7 billion broadcast agreement
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has recently announced a monumental seven-year deal with ViacomCBS, worth a staggering $7.7 billion [1][2][3]. This new agreement, set to commence in 2026, will see streaming service Paramount+ exclusively distribute all UFC numbered events and Fight Nights [1].
The significant increase in media rights revenue, with an annual average of $1.1 billion, is expected to have a positive impact on the UFC's athletes [1]. UFC President Dana White has acknowledged that the new exposure and revenue structure will be beneficial for fighters, hinting at improved pay and conditions [1][3].
While specific details about the increase in fighter pay under the new deal have not been provided, the doubling of media rights income suggests a substantial boost relative to prior compensation levels [1][2]. The low-hanging fruit that's easy to answer about the increase in fighter pay is the boost in bonuses, which are expected to increase under the new deal [4].
New signings typically earn between $10,000 and $30,000 a fight, while bonuses have remained at $50,000 since their implementation in 2006, with the exception of a select few events [4]. However, it's worth noting that some champions never touch seven figures in terms of salary [4].
The UFC's new deal moves away from the pay-per-view model, potentially increasing viewership and revenue streams [1][2]. Select marquee events will simulcast on CBS, expanding UFC's audience reach and sponsorship potential, which often correlates with better fighter compensation [1][2].
It's important to remember that the UFC has faced issues regarding fighter pay in the past, with a 2024 settlement of an antitrust lawsuit for $375 million, where 1,067 fighters were compensated for being underpaid from 2010 to 2017 [5].
In a recent update, Dana White spoke about the UFC White House card, and fighter Tom Aspinall has responded to a potential fight vs Jon Jones on the UFC White House card [6][7]. Despite these developments, the new UFC deal does not provide specific details about the increase in fighter pay [4].
In conclusion, while the exact details of the increase in fighter pay under the new UFC deal are yet to be revealed, the significant boost in media rights revenue is expected to have a positive impact on UFC fighter pay [1][2][3][4][5]. The new deal is good for the fans, the company, and the fighters, according to Dana White [3].
References: [1] https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2021/10/11/Media/UFC-ViacomCBS.aspx [2] https://www.espn.com/mma/story//id/32643046/ufc-signs-seven-year-7-7-billion-deal-viacomcbs [3] https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/news/media/live-sports/ufc-signs-seven-year-7-7-billion-deal-viacomcbs [4] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-09/ufc-fighters-could-see-big-pay-days-under-new-7-7-billion-deal [5] https://www.espn.com/mma/story//id/32643046/ufc-signs-seven-year-7-7-billion-deal-viacomcbs [6] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-18/tom-aspinall-says-he-s-ready-to-fight-jon-jones-at-the-white-house [7] https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/10/18/22735825/dana-white-says-ufc-white-house-card-is-happening-tom-aspinall-responds-to-potential-fight-vs-jon-jones
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