Paramount+ Secures Exclusive UFC Rights in $7.7 Billion Deal

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Following the merger, Skydance takes significant steps as Paramount and TKO Group Holdings establish a seven-year contract, designating Paramount as the exclusive US host for UFC events beginning in 2026.

The agreement encompasses all 13 yearly numbered events and 30 Fight Nights, each streaming live on Paramount+. Some significant tournaments will also be broadcast on CBS.

End of UFC Pay-Per-View in the U.S.

The new agreement changes UFC’s existing Pay-Per-View system to a direct streaming service through ESPN+. This means that UFC content will now be available directly to consumers without the need for additional purchases. Interestingly, it was recently announced that TKO’s WWE premium events, including WrestleMania, will now stream on ESPN instead of UFC.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that as a Paramount+ subscriber in the U.S., I can now enjoy UFC’s major events without any extra costs! This exciting move is all about making it more accessible for fans like us, boosting their subscriber base, and broadening UFC’s influence. And here’s something even more intriguing: Paramount might venture into acquiring UFC rights in other regions when the opportunity arises. Isn’t that fantastic news for us fight enthusiasts?

Executive Comments

David Ellison, as both Chairperson and CEO of Paramount, referred to UFC as a “worldwide force in sports,” stating that the agreement enriches Paramount’s platforms with continuous high-quality content throughout the year.

Ellison expressed immense enthusiasm about collaborating with Dana, Ari, and Mark. He seldom encounters chances to team up on an exclusive basis with a worldwide sports titan such as UFC – a brand that boasts exceptional global fame, size, and cultural influence. Ellison pointed out that Paramount’s edge is the broad reach of our linear and streaming services. Live sports remain crucial to our overall strategy – they boost engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term devotion, and integrating UFC’s year-round can’t-miss events into our platforms marks a significant achievement. We are eager to share this top-notch content with millions of fans in the United States, and possibly beyond.

The CEO of TKO, Ariel Emanuel, stated that the agreement strengthens UFC’s status as a leading global sports asset of significance. Meanwhile, TKO President Mark Shapiro mentioned that this agreement would offer substantial financial benefits for investors and increased opportunities for brand collaborations.

Emanuel stated that this significant event and influential contract mark a pivotal point for UFC, confirming its status as a leading global sports treasure. Our partnership with UFC over the past decade has been characterized by persistent growth and expansion, and this agreement represents a key achievement of our strategic goals. We are fully committed to David’s vision and excited about collaborating with a company that will focus on technology as a tool to improve storytelling and boost the overall viewing experience.

Shapiro stated that “Paramount is a key partner with extensive influence.” The recent contract we have signed provides numerous advantages at TKO lasting years: substantial financial benefits for investors, an increase in premium advertising space for international brand partners, and more fan interaction. Notably, our athletes will appreciate this new platform just as much.

Dana White, UFC President, stated, “Our groundbreaking agreement with Paramount and CBS is fantastic news for UFC enthusiasts and fighters alike! For the first time, American viewers can access all UFC content without the Pay-Per-View model, making it more budget-friendly and convenient to watch epic battles on a broad scale. This partnership positions UFC alongside major global sports. The increased visibility offered by Paramount and CBS networks under this setup is a significant advantage for our athletes and fans of this exciting sport.

Deal Value and Scope

The agreement extends until the year 2032, with an average worth of approximately $1.1 billion per year, amounting to a grand total of around $7.7 billion.

The payments are more concentrated towards the final stages of the agreement. UFC events almost reach 950 million homes worldwide through broadcast and digital platforms, boasting approximately 600 fighters from about 75 different countries.

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2025-08-11 17:45