UFC and Paramount score a $7.7B deal, ditching pay-per-view for Paramount+ streaming rights.

UFC and Paramount score a $7.7B deal, ditching pay-per-view for Paramount+ streaming rights.

Paramount Skydance Corp, following its recent merger with production studio Skydance, has announced a significant strategic move by securing exclusive U.S. broadcast rights to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for $7.7 billion over seven years. This deal, effective from 2026, marks a pivotal shift in how the UFC will be consumed, moving away from the traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model [1].

The agreement, announced on Monday, will see Paramount's streaming service Paramount+ become the exclusive U.S. home for UFC, including 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights annually. These events, previously available only through PPV, will now be included in the standard subscription, making them accessible to a broader audience [2].

The deal is a strategic win for Paramount, which aims to leverage its broadcast arm to offer a hybrid model that could attract advertisers seeking broad exposure. The move aligns with broader trends where streaming services seek to monetize sports through bundled offerings rather than à la carte purchases. For UFC fans, this means no more shelling out $70 or more per major fight; instead, the content will be part of Paramount+’s existing tiers [2].

The deal is part of a broader trend in the sports media industry, where companies are shifting away from PPV models. The UFC's transition to Paramount+ in 2026 could reshape how combat sports are consumed, potentially inspiring similar shifts in other sports like boxing or wrestling. The deal underscores Paramount's ambition to build a sports powerhouse, blending old and new media through CBS simulcasts for high-profile fights [2].

For UFC, the deal represents a bold move that could significantly increase its global reach and appeal. The exposure provided by Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a huge win for the sport and its athletes. The agreement also signals a shift in the way content is monetized, potentially leading to more affordable and accessible viewing options for fans [3].

The deal is not without its challenges. The success of the partnership will hinge on seamless integration and avoiding technical glitches that have plagued some streaming sports broadcasts. Additionally, the elimination of PPV revenue, historically a significant source of income for the UFC, may pressure pricing models elsewhere in the industry [2].

In conclusion, the $7.7 billion deal between Paramount and UFC represents a significant shift in how mixed martial arts content is distributed and consumed. The move away from PPV is a strategic bet on live events to stem subscriber churn and differentiate from rivals. As the deal comes into effect in 2026, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on both the UFC and the broader sports media landscape.

References:
[1] Reuters. (2025, August 11). Paramount wins exclusive US rights to UFC for $7.7 billion deal. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/paramount-wins-exclusive-us-rights-ufc-77-billion-deal-2025-08-11/
[2] Webpronews. (2025). Paramount lands $7.7B UFC deal for exclusive streaming, ends PPV. Retrieved from https://www.webpronews.com/paramount-lands-7-7b-ufc-deal-for-exclusive-streaming-ends-ppv/
[3] Yahoo Sports. (2025). UFC agrees to groundbreaking $7.7 billion deal with Paramount and CBS, ditching pay-per-view model. Retrieved from https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/breaking-news/article/ufc-agrees-to-groundbreaking-77-billion-deal-with-paramount-and-cbs-ditching-pay-per-view-model-123522139.html