Bud Light announces a historic six-year marketing partnership with UFC, becoming the official beer sponsor. The deal includes exclusive branding at UFC events and collaboration on original content for digital channels. Bud Light replaces Modelo Especial as the sponsor, reconnecting with UFC’s conservative political leanings. The partnership grants Bud Light visibility in over 170 countries, reaching an estimated 900 million TV households. Anheuser-Busch and UFC express excitement about the shared values and the opportunity to create iconic sporting moments.
| Bud Light announces a groundbreaking six-year marketing partnership with UFC, becoming the official beer sponsor.
| The agreement includes exclusive branding at UFC fights and events, as well as collaboration on original content for digital and social channels.
| This partnership marks Anheuser-Busch’s reestablishment of ties with UFC, known for its conservative political leanings.
| Bud Light replaces Modelo Especial as the official beer sponsor, strengthening the relationship between the two brands.
| The partnership grants Bud Light visibility in over 170 countries, reaching an estimated 900 million TV households.
| Anheuser-Busch and UFC express excitement about the shared values and the opportunity to create iconic sporting moments.
Bud Light Partners with UFC
Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Bud Light has announced a groundbreaking six-year marketing partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This sponsorship deal, which is the largest in the history of the mixed martial arts promotion, solidifies Bud Light as the official beer sponsor for UFC. The agreement, set to take effect on January 1, will see Bud Light receive exclusive branding at UFC fights and events, as well as in-arena promotion. Additionally, the brewer will collaborate on original content for UFC’s digital and social channels.
Reestablishing Ties
This partnership marks a significant move for Anheuser-Busch, as it reestablishes ties with an organization known for its conservative political leanings. UFC CEO Dana White, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, donated a substantial amount to a political action committee that backed Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign. With this deal, Bud Light replaces Modelo Especial as the official beer sponsor for UFC, further strengthening the relationship between Anheuser-Busch and the mixed martial arts company.
Global Reach
The UFC, owned by TKO Group Holdings Inc., boasts a massive global audience of over 700 million fans. Through this partnership, Bud Light will gain visibility in an estimated 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. This extensive reach presents a unique opportunity for Bud Light to connect with a diverse and passionate fanbase.
Shared Values
Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "Anheuser-Busch and Bud Light have always been on the cutting edge of iconic sporting moments that fans remember forever, and reuniting with UFC is a continuation of this industry leading legacy." UFC CEO Dana White echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the alignment between the two brands’ core values and the significance of their collaboration.
This groundbreaking marketing partnership between Bud Light and UFC signifies a new chapter in their longstanding relationship, and both parties are eager to embark on this exciting journey together.
