Paramount has made a big move in the world of sports by acquiring the U.S. rights to UFC for the next seven years, starting in 2026. They are investing a whopping $7.7 billion, averaging $1.1 billion a year. This deal includes 13 key events and 30 Fight Nights. Fans can catch all the action on Paramount+, and some events will also air on CBS, making it more accessible.
Unlike the previous pay-per-view model used by ESPN+, Paramount’s approach won’t involve extra fees. Users only need to subscribe to Paramount+ for $12.99 a month. “The pay-per-view model is outdated,” says Mark Shapiro, president of TKO Group. He suggests that younger audiences prefer simpler access to events without extra costs.
This shift comes on the heels of other significant changes in sports rights. TKO, which was formed from the merger of UFC and WWE in 2023, recently sealed a five-year, $1.6 billion deal with ESPN for WWE’s top events. TKO’s leadership initially believed they would sell only part of the UFC events to Paramount but quickly negotiated the entire package after closing their merger with Skydance Media.
CEO David Ellison emphasized the importance of this deal. With fewer premium sports rights available in the upcoming years, he called UFC a “unicorn asset.” It’s a rare opportunity for platforms like Paramount, especially since rights for other major sports, like Formula 1, are likely going to Apple.
UFC events are appealing for streaming services because they provide year-round content, which keeps subscribers engaged. With 43 live events every year, fans enjoy around 350 hours of live programming.
Paramount is also eyeing international rights, which can be renewed annually. UFC matches reach over 210 countries, and Paramount has a 30-day window to negotiate these rights when they come up.
In summary, this new deal reflects a significant shift in how sports content is delivered to fans, focusing on accessibility and convenience. The UFC’s popularity continues to grow, making this partnership an exciting development for both the company and its audience.
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