UFC & Sony Pictures Network Extend Exclusive Broadcast Partnership In India Till 2028

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Las Vegas, January 9: UFC and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) on Tuesday (January 9) announced the extension of a multi-year rights agreement, ensuring that SPNI will remain the exclusive media home for UFC in India and the Indian subcontinent through 2028.

Under the renewed partnership, SPNI will continue to broadcast 42 live UFC events, including 12 numbered pay-per-view events and 30 UFC Fight Night events.

The deal will also include rights for additional content like original programs 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.

SPNI will also continue to broadcast live in Asia prime time the ground-breaking "win and advance" tournament for Asia's top MMA prospects, ROAD TO UFC.

Four Indian athletes have participated in the tournament, with Season 1 winner Anshul Jubli earning a UFC contract, becoming only the second Indian-born athlete to compete in UFC.

UFC's partnership with SPNI has spanned almost a decade and continues to evolve. In 2022, local language commentary in Tamil and Telugu was added for the first time. Sony Pictures Networks India is also the exclusive live broadcaster of TKO Group's WWE, a partnership that has spanned nearly two decades.

UFC programming will be broadcast in the Indian sub-continent on SONY TEN 2 in English, SONY TEN 3 in Hindi and SONY TEN 4 in Tamil and Telugu, and on SPNI's premium video on demand (VOD) service, SonyLIV.

Kevin Chang, UFC Senior Vice President and Head of Asia said, "We are delighted to continue our partnership with Sony Sports Network, which will remain the home for UFC in India.

"Sony 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. Together with Sony Sports Network, we're excited to usher in the next generation of Indian talent in UFC."

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer - Distribution & International Business and Head - Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India said, "We are delighted to extend our partnership with UFC for five more years.

"Sony Sports Network is the go-to destination for MMA fans in the Indian subcontinent. We have also seen that the inclusion of 'The King of Lions' 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 along with an expansive portfolio programming to engage our viewers."

Source: Press Release