UFC media rights with ESPN expires at the end of 2025, and UFC can begin negotiations with other platforms in mid-April.
TNT Sports CEO Luis Silberwasser spoke with John Ourand of The Varisty and was asked about Warner Brothers Discovery possibly acquiring UFC rights.
"We know combat sports is an area that we don't have. AEW is not combat sports, it's really a hybrid between entertainment and sports, so we don't consider that 100% sports. Combat sports, like UFC, which is a fantastic property, is something that has perked our interest. Formula One as well. Given our experience with sports internationally, we know the passion for Formula One. We know that in this market it has grown and it has great potential as well. We will continue to be disciplined and strategic about it. It had to meet those objectives that we want. It has to offer us value from a distribution perspective, from a Max perspective, and generate the scale that we need to be able to monetize," he said.
UFC is reportedly unhappy with ESPN after issues with UFC 313.
At the end of 2024, AEW signed a new media rights deal with Warner Brothers Discovery that sees AEW programming air on TBS, TNT, and simulcast on Max.
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