• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Disney Considered Buying UFC in 2016

  • Disney considered buying UFC in 2016, and could seek to again.
  • The fighting league began giving out bonuses to fighters in bitcoin.
UFC
Barbara Perenic/Columbus Dispatch

Back in 2016, Disney nearly purchased UFC, shortly before it was bought by Endeavor and a group of investors for over $4 billion.

Now the entertainment conglomerate could seek to purchase the fighting league or another high-value sports property.

As media rights rise in cost, streaming giants may look to acquire leagues to keep costs down, according to CNBC, which also mentioned WWE and Formula 1 as potential targets, should any become available. 

In other UFC news, the promotion will begin paying its athletes bonuses in cryptocurrency.

In addition to the league’s standard cash bonuses, the top three fighters, as determined by fan votes, will win a total of $60,000 in bitcoin at each pay-per-view event.

UFC signed a 10-year, $175 million sponsorship deal with Crypto.com last year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

UFC-Backed Boxing Bill Passes House With Bipartisan Support

The bipartisan measure clears the chamber on a voice vote.
Mar 7, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, UNITED STATES; Donte Johnson (red gloves) fights Cody Brundage (blue gloves) during UFC 326 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

UFC Touts Ratings Success of CBS Debut

A portion of UFC 326 was simulcast on CBS last Saturday.

NFL Dominates Thanksgiving Week—and Wants Another Night

The league looks to expand its presence over the highly watched holiday.

Jon Jones: UFC ‘Lowballed’ Him on White House Card, Seeks Release

Conor McGregor also weighed in on the White House card.

Featured Today

Maxime Vachier Lagrave

The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment

Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
Beau Brune/LSU
March 22, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies

“There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”
March 18, 2026

AI College Recruiting Reels Aren’t Fooling Scouts

College coaches and recruiters are way ahead of cheating athletes.
March 7, 2026

Alex Eala Has Become One of the Biggest Draws in Tennis

Eala will face Coco Gauff in the third round at Indian Wells.
Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark dribbles up the court against Team USA during the WNBA All-Star Game at Footprint Center in Phoenix on July 20, 2024.

Fund Backing Women’s Sports Raises $250M and Counting

Jason Wright oversees a fund that has secured $250 million.
Puma store
January 27, 2026

China’s Anta Eyes World Domination With $1.8B Puma Deal

Anta is now the largest shareholder in both Puma and Amer Sports.
January 28, 2026

CVC’s New Sports Business Buys Into $300M Equestrian Company

Global Sport Group bought a controlling stake in Equine Network.
Sponsored

Why Capital Is Flooding Into Women’s Soccer

Assia Grazioli-Venier breaks down how she evaluates opportunities across the sports landscape.
Jan 24, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd motions to his team during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center.
January 27, 2026

Jason Kidd Joins PE-Backed Youth Sports Company

The Mavericks coach is an equity holder and member of the board.
Contestants compete in the annual Nathan's hot dog eating contest at Tootsie's 57th Anniversary Birthday Bash on Lower Broadway in Nashville on Oct. 10, 2017.
January 22, 2026

Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest Will Continue Under Chinese Ownership

Nathan’s expects to keep the contest at Coney Island.
Batbox
January 12, 2026

Bowling’s Blueprint Is Powering the New Social Gaming Boom

New venues are fusing sports, entertainment, and good food.
Sep 27, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Kody Funderburk (55) and catch
December 17, 2025

Twins’ New Investments Value Club at $1.75 Billion

The Twins have also announced a succession plan.