Sony Pictures extends exclusive broadcast rights for UFC in Indian Subcontinent

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) announced the extension of the exclusive broadcast rights for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka for five years. The terms of the agreement include television and digital media rights for a range of UFC events through 2028.

“We have also seen the inclusion of ‘The King of Lions’ aka Anshul Jubli along with Puja Tomar in 2023 has raised interest for UFC in India. Our partnership extension with UFC allows us to continue the exclusive coverage of live UFC events in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu along with an expansive portfolio programming to engage our viewers,” Rajesh Kaul, chief revenue officer – distribution and international business and head – sports business, Sony Pictures Networks India, said.
The premier promotion for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) worldwide, UFC caters to a global audience. UFC features fighters, including Israel Adesanya, Leon Edwards, Jon Jones, Islam Makhachev, Sean O’Malley, Alex Pereira, and Alexander Volkanovski.

Effective January 1, 2024, the agreement solidifies SPNI’s commitment to delivering UFC content to fans across the region on Sony Sports Network and SonyLiv. The comprehensive rights package includes exclusive coverage of 42 UFC LIVE events, encompassing 12 Pay-Per-View (PPV) and 30 Fight Night events each year featuring both main card and preliminary bouts, along with additional content that includes UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, a variety of archive content, and Dana White’s Contender Series, a 10-episode live fight series which features up-and-coming talent trying to secure a contract with UFC.

“Sony Sports Network has been a valuable and trusted partner, helping to expand the UFC brand in many ways, from their ‘Ultimate Guide to UFC’ show to their media and social promotions,” Kevin Chang, SVP and head of Asia, UFC, said.

In addition to live events, Sony Sports Network will continue to broadcast live in Asia prime time the ‘win and advance’ tournament for Asia’s top MMA prospects, ROAD TO UFC. Financial Express