Bust out your wallets, fight fans.
According to a recent report from MMAJunkie.com’s Steven Marrocco, UFC pay-per-view prices will increase by $5 for 2015.
The increase, according to a release provided to Marrocco and MMA Junkie, is being implemented to combat the rising cost of producing and running events.
“As with most industries, our costs have gone up significantly over this period and we have determined it is necessary to institute a minimal cost increase beginning in 2015,” the release said.
Previously, a standard-definition pay-per-view card ran buyers $44.99, while a high-definition feed cost $10 more at $54.99. Now, the prices will stand at $49.99 and $59.99, respectively.
The cost was first seen at UFC 182, the promotion’s first and only PPV card of the year so far, but now the $5 hike is here to stay.
This flies directly in the face of UFC President Dana White‘s previous words.
In March 2009, White told reporters the UFC would “not raise pay-per-view” costs (h/t MMAFighting.com).
“I’ll f—–g go on record right now and say I will not raise pay-per-view,” White said. “I won’t do it. … The UFC is a cheap night at home.”
Is it, though? Is it “cheap,” especially with a $5 increase?
Let’s look at the UFC’s schedule for 2015 and do some math (don’t worry, I’ll operate the calculator).
Including Saturday’s UFC 183 event, there are 12 PPV events in store for the rest of the year. Add in January 3’s UFC 182, and that makes 13 PPV events total for the year.
If you’re buying the standard definition feed and getting every card, that’s $649.87, assuming your service provider charges $49.99 (some may charge more, according to Marrocco).
For the high-definition version, you’re paying $779.87 for all 13 cards.
Now, let’s assume you’re a superfan who just can’t live without the UFC’s online service, UFC Fight Pass. That’s another $9.99 per month, bringing you to $769.75 for the year with standard-definition cards and $899.75 for high definition.
Even spread out over 12 months, I’m not sure that qualifies as “cheap” entertainment. That’s undoubtedly a significant portion of many fans’ income, and it’s likely a step in the wrong direction should the UFC hope to pull in new fans and keep its current viewers.
Will you fork over the additional $5 per card, or is this the final straw? Sound off, and we’ll discuss these changes.
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