UFC Thrives During COVID, Eyes Bright Future

The COVID-19 pandemic was a nightmare for many businesses, but it turned out to be a game-changer for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). When other sports and entertainment options disappeared, the UFC stepped into the spotlight. Fans flocked to pay-per-view events, and ticket sales exploded. According to UFC CEO Dana White, their fan base grew by an incredible 68 percent during the pandemic. This surge in popularity has led to massive financial gains for the UFC. Recent UFC events have seen huge live gates. For example, UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York brought in over $16 million, which is the second-highest figure for the promotion at that venue. Events in other cities like Edmonton have also been sold out, with live gates exceeding $2. 6 million. The UFC isn't resting on its laurels. In January 2025, they will host a pay-per-view event at the new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, home to the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers. They're also planning events in countries like Saudi Arabia and Australia, which can bring in massive site fees. The last event in Saudi Arabia had a site fee of $20 million, and the next could be even higher. In 2025, the UFC will negotiate a new TV deal, which could significantly boost their finances compared to the current $1. 5 billion contract with ESPN. With streaming giants like Amazon and Netflix potentially getting involved, the new deal could be a real game-changer. All this shows that the UFC is not just surviving but thriving, and the future looks promising.