Paramount has struck a landmark seven-year deal to become the exclusive US home for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), with the agreement valued at approximately $7.7 billion (£6.1 billion). The partnership, which begins in 2026, marks a significant shift away from the sport’s traditional pay-per-view model, as all UFC content will now be available to subscribers of the Paramount+ streaming service at no additional cost. Select marquee events will also be simulcast on Paramount’s broadcast network, CBS.
A bold move for Paramount
The deal represents the first major strategic move for Paramount since its recent merger with Skydance Media and is a clear indicator of the company’s focus on leveraging live sports to drive streaming growth. Live events, with their ability to attract large, dedicated audiences, have become a crucial battleground in the streaming wars. By acquiring the rights to the UFC’s entire schedule—including its 13 numbered events and 30 “Fight Nights” a year—Paramount is positioning its streaming service as a must-have for mixed martial arts fans, a demographic that is both passionate and growing. Paramount has also indicated its intention to explore securing UFC rights in other international markets in the future.
End of pay-per-view
For UFC fans, the most impactful change is the end of the pay-per-view model in the US. Under the previous arrangement with ESPN, fans were required to pay an additional fee for premium events on top of their streaming subscription. The new deal with Paramount eliminates this extra cost, making all UFC content more accessible and affordable. UFC President Dana White has hailed the move as a major win for fans and fighters alike, suggesting it will lead to a broader audience for the sport and potentially increased opportunities for athletes.
Financial and market implications
The $7.7 billion deal, which translates to an average of $1.1 billion annually, represents more than double the value of the UFC’s previous contract. This financial injection is a substantial boon for TKO Group, the parent company of the UFC, and is expected to provide significant economic stability. The market reacted positively to the news, with shares of TKO experiencing a notable surge following the announcement. For Paramount, the high-stakes investment is a bet on the long-term value of subscriber growth and retention, with the company hoping the exclusive content will boost its subscription numbers and justify the hefty price tag.
Competitive landscape
The acquisition of UFC rights by Paramount also highlights the aggressive competition for live sports content among major media companies. With rivals such as Disney, Amazon, and Netflix all vying for a piece of the live sports market, exclusive rights have become a key differentiator. While ESPN is losing the UFC, it has recently secured its own exclusive rights deal with the WWE, another major property under the TKO Group umbrella, demonstrating the fierce competition and reshuffling of major sports broadcasting. The new deal solidifies Paramount’s position as a serious contender in this landscape.
REFH – Newshub, August 12, 2025
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