Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3: UFC’s Streaming Deal, Superstitions

Release Date: August 12, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves into the seismic shifts occurring in the sports media landscape, particularly focusing on the recent UFC's $7.7 billion streaming deal with Paramount Plus. The conversation weaves through the implications of this deal, drawing parallels with historical corporate missteps, and explores the evolving nature of media consumption in the digital age. Additionally, the show touches upon the role of superstitions and gimmicks in sports team dynamics, adding a layer of cultural insight to the discussion.

1. UFC's Landmark Streaming Deal

Dan Patrick kicks off the discussion by highlighting the UFC’s exclusive seven-year streaming agreement with Paramount Plus, valued at $7.7 billion. This monumental deal signifies a strategic pivot from traditional pay-per-view (PPV) models to a more integrated streaming approach.

Dan Patrick (24:15): "With Dana White and the UFC now in cahoots with Paramount Plus, it's a turning point in how we consume all of our media, especially in the sports world."

The deal ensures that all UFC events will be available exclusively on Paramount Plus starting in 2026, with select events also airing on CBS. This move mirrors broader industry trends where content providers are consolidating their offerings to compete in the streaming-dominated market.

2. Parallels with Past Corporate Failures

The conversation smoothly transitions to comparing UFC’s strategic adaptability with historical companies that failed to evolve, such as Kodak, Blockbuster, and Toys R Us. These companies, once giants in their respective industries, succumbed to market changes and technological advancements they couldn’t keep up with.

Rich Davis (45:30): "Kodak, after almost 150 years, might have to close up shop. They, like Blockbuster and Toys R Us, couldn't move with technology and fell behind when it mattered most."

By drawing these comparisons, the hosts underscore the critical importance of innovation and adaptability in maintaining market relevance, especially as consumer preferences shift towards digital and on-demand services.

3. The Decline of Pay-Per-View

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the potential demise of the pay-per-view model. Turki Alishahry, a prominent figure in boxing, is mentioned for his stance against PPV, arguing that it has "ruined the sport."

Dan Patrick (37:50): "Turki Alishahry believes pay-per-view ruined boxing by charging exorbitant fees for events that sometimes aren’t even that interesting to viewers."

This sentiment resonates with listeners who remember the days when premium sports events were major social occasions, often drawing widespread attention and high engagement. The shift to streaming aims to democratize access, allowing a broader audience to engage with events without the barrier of high PPV costs.

4. The Rise of Streaming Services in Sports Media

The hosts delve deeper into how streaming services are reshaping the sports viewing experience. They discuss the proliferation of platforms like YouTube TV, ESPN+, and Paramount Plus, noting how these services are increasingly replacing traditional cable subscriptions.

Rich Davis (50:10): "Another breaking story, ESPN and Fox are bundling their direct-to-consumer offerings. Consumers can purchase the two services together starting October 2nd for $39.99 per month."

This bundling strategy reflects the industry's response to the fragmented media consumption landscape, where consumers prefer tailor-made packages that offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional cable bundles.

5. Nostalgia and Technological Evolution in Media Consumption

The episode takes a nostalgic turn as the hosts reminisce about bygone eras of media consumption, contrasting them with present-day advancements. They share personal anecdotes about experiences with Toys R Us, traditional cable, and early internet services, illustrating the dramatic changes over the decades.

Steve Covino (1:05:20): "When you book a vacation now, you do it on your phone. Back then, you had to rely on a travel agent and trust someone like Cindy to get you the best deal."

This reflection serves to highlight how technological advancements have both simplified and complicated aspects of daily life, from booking vacations to accessing live sports events.

6. Listener Interactions and Trivia

Interactivity is a hallmark of The Dan Patrick Show, and this episode is no exception. The hosts engage with callers through NFL trivia, offering prizes and fostering a community atmosphere among listeners.

Dan Patrick (1:15:45): "Showtime Mahomes Trivia. We're giving away prizes. That's all we ask."

These segments not only entertain but also educate the audience about sports history and current events, enhancing listener loyalty and participation.

7. Superstitions and Gimmicks in Sports Teams

True to the episode’s title, Dan Patrick and his co-hosts explore the superstitions and marketing gimmicks employed by sports teams to bolster team spirit and fan engagement. They debate whether such practices are necessary or merely "corny rally cries."

Rich Davis (1:20:10): "Every championship caliber team needs some type of magic. Do they need something like a rally monkey or can they win through sheer skill alone?"

The discussion includes examples like the Milwaukee Brewers’ "pancake" superstition and the Mets’ use of grimace costumes, analyzing the balance between authentic team identity and manufactured fan experiences.

Dan Patrick (1:22:30): "Pat Murphy’s pancakes became a rally point. It’s funny how something so simple can unite a team and its fans."

This segment underscores the psychological and cultural factors that contribute to team performance and fan loyalty, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the sports ecosystem.

8. Impact on Consumers and the Future of Sports Media

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts contemplate the long-term effects of the UFC streaming deal and the decline of pay-per-view on consumers and the sports industry at large. They discuss the potential for increased accessibility and the challenges of managing multiple streaming subscriptions.

Rich Davis (1:28:45): "With every streaming service adding up, consumers might end up paying more than their old cable bills, just in different forms."

The conversation anticipates a future where streaming dominance continues to reshape how sports content is produced, distributed, and consumed, urging industry stakeholders to continually innovate to meet evolving consumer demands.

Conclusion

The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3 offers a comprehensive exploration of the UFC’s landmark streaming deal and its broader implications for the sports media landscape. Through insightful comparisons, listener engagement, and thoughtful discussion on superstitions in sports, Dan Patrick provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the intersection between technology, media consumption, and sports culture. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or someone intrigued by media trends, this episode delivers rich, engaging content that is both informative and entertaining.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Patrick (24:15): "With Dana White and the UFC now in cahoots with Paramount Plus, it's a turning point in how we consume all of our media, especially in the sports world."

• Rich Davis (45:30): "Kodak, after almost 150 years, might have to close up shop. They, like Blockbuster and Toys R Us, couldn't move with technology and fell behind when it mattered most."

• Dan Patrick (37:50): "Turki Alishahry believes pay-per-view ruined boxing by charging exorbitant fees for events that sometimes aren’t even that interesting to viewers."

• Rich Davis (50:10): "Another breaking story, ESPN and Fox are bundling their direct-to-consumer offerings. Consumers can purchase the two services together starting October 2nd for $39.99 per month."

• Steve Covino (1:05:20): "When you book a vacation now, you do it on your phone. Back then, you had to rely on a travel agent and trust someone like Cindy to get you the best deal."

• Rich Davis (1:20:10): "Every championship caliber team needs some type of magic. Do they need something like a rally monkey or can they win through sheer skill alone?"

• Rich Davis (1:28:45): "With every streaming service adding up, consumers might end up paying more than their old cable bills, just in different forms."

This episode encapsulates the dynamic changes in sports media and consumer behavior, offering listeners valuable insights into the future of how we engage with sports and entertainment.