UFC returns to BT Sport in latest UK, Ireland TV deal
In a move discussed earlier this week on Wrestling Observer Radio, BT Sport officially announced they are back with the UFC, signing a multi-year broadcast deal that will bring 100+ yearly hours of fight content to UK and Irish fans.
The UFC had briefly signed with upstart digital service Eleven Sports, but trigged an exit clause after Eleven failed to secure distribution deals with entites like BT, Virgin Media, and Sky. According to The Guardian, Eleven could be shutting down after just four months as a service.
The deal calls for all numbered events and Fight Nights to be available on broadcast via BT Sport and on their two digital platforms.
BT has held the UFC UK and Ireland broadcast rights for the last five years. This iteration will begin in January 2019. Financial terms and length of the deal weren’t disclosed.
Earlier this year, the UFC signed a five year deal with ESPN, moving away from primary rights holder Fox Sports.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.