UFC Signs $7.7 Billion Deal with Paramount Global, Ending Pay-Per-View Model in US.

UFC signs a $7.7 billion, 7-year deal with Paramount Global to broadcast all events live on Paramount+ and select events on CBS, ending the Pay-Per-View model. Fans will have access to all UFC content without an additional fee beyond their Paramount+ subscription. The agreement applies only to domestic rights, with separate international broadcast arrangements to be explored. UFC President Dana White calls the deal "historic," emphasizing increased fan accessibility and potential benefits for athletes.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has signed a historic $7.7 billion, 7-year deal with Paramount Global to broadcast all of its events live on Paramount+ and select events on CBS. This agreement, which begins in 2026, marks the end of the UFC's pay-per-view model and will provide fans with access to all UFC content without an additional fee beyond their Paramount+ subscription [1].

Under the new deal, Paramount Global will pay an average of $1.1 billion per year for the UFC's domestic broadcast rights. This is a significant increase from the current deal with ESPN, where the UFC earns approximately $550 million per year [1]. The agreement covers all 13 of the UFC's marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights per year, with a selected number of events also simulcast on CBS.

UFC President Dana White hailed the deal as "historic," emphasizing increased fan accessibility and potential benefits for athletes. The deal comes just days after Paramount's controversial merger with Skydance Media, led by David Ellison [2]. Ellison, the son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, is working to cut costs and drive subscriber growth through the addition of high-profile content like the UFC.

The shift to a streaming model could have several implications for the UFC and its fans. For fighters, the lack of pay-per-view revenue could impact their earnings, particularly those with contracts tied to pay-per-view points. However, the guaranteed income from the new deal could provide stability and potentially increase fighters' overall earnings through other avenues, such as sponsorships and endorsements.

For fans, the new deal offers a more affordable and convenient way to access all UFC content. The end of the pay-per-view model could also lead to a more consistent quality of events, as the UFC no longer needs to justify high prices with high-quality fights. However, the long-term impact on the sport's growth and exposure remains to be seen, as Paramount+ does not have the same reach as ESPN in the American sports landscape.

In conclusion, the UFC's new deal with Paramount Global represents a significant shift in the organization's broadcast strategy. While the deal offers increased accessibility and guaranteed income, it also presents challenges and uncertainties for the sport and its participants. As the deal unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on the UFC, its fighters, and its fans.

References:
[1] https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/article/three-big-questions-about-the-ufcs-bombshell-77-billion-deal-with-cbs-and-paramount-164747381.html
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/aug/11/paramount-pays-77bn-us-rights-deal-ufc-skydance-media