In a landmark sports media shake-up, Paramount has secured the exclusive U.S. streaming rights to UFC in a blockbuster $7.7 billion, seven-year deal starting in 2026 — the first major move since the company’s merger with Skydance Media.
The agreement, valued at an average of $1.1 billion per year, covers all 43 annual UFC live events — including 13 premium numbered cards and 30 Fight Nights — making them available at no extra cost to Paramount+ subscribers. Select events will also be simulcast on CBS.
This deal marks the end of UFC’s pay-per-view era in the U.S., a model long used by ESPN+ under Disney, which paid about $500 million per year for partial rights set to expire in 2025.
“The pay-per-view model is outdated,” said Mark Shapiro, TKO Group President and COO. “For $12.99 a month, fans will get every UFC event without hidden fees — a game changer for younger audiences and hardcore fight fans.”
A Rare Sports Rights Grab
Paramount CEO David Ellison called UFC a “unicorn asset” that becomes available “once a decade,” highlighting its year-round schedule and loyal subscriber base. With Formula 1 likely heading to Apple and MLB rights locked until 2028, Ellison moved quickly — sealing the deal within 48 hours of closing the Skydance merger.
The move also follows TKO Group’s recent $1.6 billion, five-year WWE deal with ESPN for premium wrestling events. UFC and WWE merged under TKO in 2023, creating one of the most powerful combat sports conglomerates in history.
What Fans Can Expect
- No more pay-per-view in the U.S. for UFC starting 2026
- All fights streamed exclusively on Paramount+
- CBS simulcasts for select major events
- 350+ hours of live UFC programming each year
- Potential future international rights acquisition by Paramount
With over 210 countries currently broadcasting UFC, Paramount will also have a 30-day exclusive negotiation window for international rights as they come up for renewal.
This deal could reshape sports streaming, boost Paramount+ subscriptions, and put intense pressure on competitors like Disney, Netflix, and Amazon to secure their own live sports franchises.
