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Greetings!
Sporting events have long been the heavyweights of content, but over the last week, we've seen evidence of streaming's disruptive impact in the area as the NFL has become a shareholder in ESPN thanks to its deal with Walt Disney Co., which gains more football games to broadcast on its various platforms.
Now we're seeing its impact on UFC, with Paramount and TKO Group Holding striking a deal to make Paramount+ the exclusive home to its events, marking an end to its long-standing pay-per-view model. UFC abandoning pay-per-view events follows the other half of TKO, with WWE shifting away to air its premium events on ESPN next year.
Sports is also turning longtime rivals into allies, with Disney and Fox set to launch dueling streaming services on Aug. 21. But in a twist, the companies will offer a bundle with both for $39.99 a month starting Oct. 2.
While there's a wealth of sports between the two services, it's not exactly a one-stop shop for all of your games, particularly NFL ones, where the rights are divided between multiple companies, with local broadcasters also getting many. With sports so fragmented, will fans be willing to pay that much to get an incomplete source of the games they're keen to see?
Roger Cheng
Managing Editor of Business and PRO
roger.cheng@thewrap.com
PS: We continue to offer a free 2-week trial of WrapPRO. If you’ve been wanting to check out our full coverage, now’s the time. Feel free to forward the news.
How much does it cost to completely tear up your tried-and-true business model? For the UFC and parent company TKO, a seven-year, $7.7 billion agreement to bring its matches to Paramount+.
Next year, Paramount+ will stream all 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights, with major matches also simulcast on CBS. The end of the pay-per-view means fans will have a consistent place to find UFC fights, and no longer have to shell out for those one-time fees to access the content.
For Paramount CEO David Ellison, it's a big, splashy deal to kick off his tenure and the new era for the media company.
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This report provides a high-level analysis of daily developments within the entertainment sector. It compiles crucial data points and insights from industry leaders, highlighting key trends and shifts in business strategies.