WWE’s Netflix deal included a negotiating opportunity for UFC’s U.S. media rights
Summary
– Netflix had first rights to negotiate for UFC’s domestic media package
– The provision appeared in unredacted documents tied to WWE shareholder litigation
– Paramount ultimately secured UFC’s U.S. rights
Newly revealed contract language shows that Netflix’s agreement with WWE gave the streaming service first rights to negotiate for UFC’s domestic media rights.
The detail emerged from unredacted documents connected to the WWE shareholder lawsuit. Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics obtained the material while covering the case.
The provision gave Netflix an initial opportunity to discuss UFC’s U.S. rights. It did not guarantee a deal, and the rights ultimately went to Paramount.
WWE’s attorneys raised the agreement during litigation over the merger, arguing that combining WWE and UFC could benefit media rights negotiations. The case had been set for trial, but the trial was later canceled.
