Reebok deal sweetened for most fighters

The much-reviled Reebok deal just got a little sweeter, as detailed in a 17-page document sent out to fighters called UFC Promotional Guidelines”. Although fighter banners will not be brought back, there is more money coming.

Under the old plan, apparel sponsorships were based on tenure as defined by number of fights:
1-5 $2,500
6-10 $5,000
11-15 $10,000
16-20 $15,000
21+ $20,000
Title Challenger $30,000
Champion $40,000

This seven-tier structure had the first tier split:
1-3 $3,500
4-5 $5,000

While this might at first glance seem minor, over half the contracted fighters are at the under six fights level, and many of them are seeing their Reebok money doubled.

“This gives the shorter-tenured fighters on our roster an increase,” said UFC Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein to ESPN Staff Writer Brett Okamoto. “We felt this was the most impactful, meaningful way to get more money to our athletes.”

“We always want to hear from the athletes. I know we’re trying to do the right thing every day in the UFC. Our heart is in the right place. Listening to the athletes is a big part of that, and part of the changes we’re making today are a reflection of that.”

Fighter duties are also spelled out. These include four days of pre event promotion, six hours of fight week promotion, and one hour after the event. Main and co-main fighters must additionally allow camera access for eight-days prior to the fight. And the league can request a one-day shoot twice per year.

When the Reebok deal was announced in 2015, the opportunity for Kit Sponsorships were highlighted – a company could sponsor a fighter and appear on the uniform. Those, unfortunately, did not come to pass to a significant extent.

“We sort of made that bet going into this thing,” said Epstein. “We were somewhat successful with [Monster Energy], which is a great example of what we want to do. Yes, they’re paying the UFC money as part of an integrated sponsor package, but they’re also paying a dozen or more athletes individually. We’re hopeful we’ll get more of those going forward.”

Some notable fighters signing with Bellator or other promotions cite The Reebok Deal as a reason they left the company.

“That’s the good thing about choice – You can go wherever you want and wear whatever you want,” said Epstein. “That’s the choice of an athlete. I feel like this is a high-quality program, and it’s great for everybody to have a clean presentation, but I respect their decision if there are other opportunities out there for them.”

“Nothing is set in stone. We’ve made these changes and there is certainly a possibility of things changing in the future.”