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UFC is a bit like NFL except instead of just a 3-4 month season, it has a 12 month season and it has international appeal. However, unlike NFL it doesn't have

UFC is a bit like NFL except instead of just a 3-4 month season, it has a 12 month season and it has international appeal. However, unlike NFL it doesn't have a league that can control expansion or prevent others to compete in its market. In other words, UFC is a brand and it's a brand that is not fully understood and it's hard to predict what the loyalty to this brand is. So the buyers are taking a big risk. They're buying into UFCs reach via FOX, etc. But the market is prime from other players to take away market share.

bproper 10y ago
At this point, however, they have built an interesting business beyond their own league and live events. They have a subscription service - $10 a month - that has both the biggest library of important MMA fights and acts as the streaming platform and distributor for dozens of smaller leagues. http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/8/12122826/ufc-200-sale-streaming-fight-pass http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/8/12122826/ufc-200-sale-strea... The UFC is even branching out to stream more niche combat sports that aren't MMA. Because they were banned from television for so long, they were forced to focus on the digital side of the business, and it is now paying big dividends.
buckbova 10y ago
UFC has worked hard to scoop up the competition like strike force and others. They also have strict contracts with their fighters to keep them from competing in other leagues. There's been several anti-trust lawsuits already. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2299031-ufc-sued-by-fighters-in-class-action-lawsuit-latest-details-and-reaction http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2299031-ufc-sued-by-fight... http://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/12037883/antitrust-lawsuit-filed-ufc-parent-company-claims-monopoly http://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/12037883/antitrust-lawsuit...
- aidenn0 10y ago
  I'm surprised those contracts are enforceable without a CBA in place.

bproper 10y ago

At this point, however, they have built an interesting business beyond their own league and live events. They have a subscription service - $10 a month - that has both the biggest library of important MMA fights and acts as the streaming platform and distributor for dozens of smaller leagues. http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/8/12122826/ufc-200-sale-streaming-fight-pass http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/8/12122826/ufc-200-sale-strea... The UFC is even branching out to stream more niche combat sports that aren't MMA. Because they were banned from television for so long, they were forced to focus on the digital side of the business, and it is now paying big dividends.

buckbova 10y ago

UFC has worked hard to scoop up the competition like strike force and others. They also have strict contracts with their fighters to keep them from competing in other leagues. There's been several anti-trust lawsuits already. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2299031-ufc-sued-by-fighters-in-class-action-lawsuit-latest-details-and-reaction http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2299031-ufc-sued-by-fight... http://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/12037883/antitrust-lawsuit-filed-ufc-parent-company-claims-monopoly http://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/12037883/antitrust-lawsuit...

aidenn0 10y ago
I'm surprised those contracts are enforceable without a CBA in place.