NeuLion, a provider of live and on-demand digital video distribution systems, has won a new multi-year deal with UFC that includes the powering of UFC.TV, including pay-per-view events, and a rebuild and relaunch of UFC Fight Pass, its subscription-based OTT offering.
Financial terms were not announced, but the new deal will have NeuLion hit on other parts of UFC’s video business, including “international localization,” expanded device support, customer care, and integration into the UFC Rewards system.
UFC.TV currently is offered Xbox gaming consoles, the Apple TV, iOS and Android mobile devices, with more on the way, they said. UFC.TV will also add new new payment methods for live PPV events and UFC Fight Pass, which starts at $9.99 per month.
"Signing another multi-year agreement with UFC illustrates our commitment and ability to create, deliver and grow meaningful experiences for our customers, and furthers our 'land and expand' growth strategy,” NeuLion CEO Dr. Kanaan Jemili, said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing the evolution of next-generation video experiences with our valued partner, UFC."
"We are in 180 countries and over 1 billion homes worldwide, requiring a continued focus on new and emerging technology to meet viewer demand,” added UFC president Dana White. “As a partner, NeuLion has supported the growth of our digital business from the ground up and, together, we are delivering a best-in-class digital experience to our fans worldwide."
Last month, NeuLion posted Q2 revenues of $22.7 million, up 69%, attributing growth to new customers. Revenues specifically tied to its digital platform grew 16%.
As part of a strategy to build its OTT and 4K efforts, NeuLion bought video encoding/delivering specialist DivX in January for $62.5 million.
