UFC Signs $7.7 Billion Media Rights Deal With Paramount in 2026

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has reached a transformative $7.7 billion media rights agreement with Paramount Global, marking a major shift away from its long-standing pay-per-view (PPV) model in the United States. Under the seven-year deal, set to begin in 2026, all UFC events—including 13 annual PPV events—will be streamed exclusively on Paramount+. Select events will also air on CBS, blending digital and broadcast delivery [1].

This partnership ends UFC’s previous media rights arrangement with ESPN, which had held the rights since 2019. The new subscription-based model is designed to make UFC content more accessible by eliminating the cost barrier associated with individual PPV purchases. By leveraging Paramount+’s streaming platform, the UFC aims to expand its audience and boost long-term engagement [2].

The deal aligns with broader strategic goals for Paramount Global, now rebranded as Paramount Skydance following its recent merger with Skydance Media. The company, led by chairman and CEO David Ellison, is positioning itself as a formidable player in the streaming industry by acquiring high-impact content like the UFC. The agreement is a key part of Ellison’s vision to compete with established streaming leaders such as Netflix and Disney+ through a combination of sports programming and advanced technology, including data-driven personalization [3].

TKO Group Holdings, the UFC’s parent company, is expected to benefit from a steady revenue stream through the media rights deal, along with enhanced brand visibility. The move away from PPV is also anticipated to attract a broader demographic, including casual fans who may have been deterred by the high cost of individual events [4].

Industry observers have highlighted the potential influence of this deal on future media rights negotiations, particularly in the sports sector. While other streaming platforms like Netflix have also secured rights for live sports events—such as WWE and NFL games—Paramount’s exclusive control of UFC content in the U.S. gives it a unique edge in attracting and retaining sports enthusiasts [5].

However, the success of the partnership will depend on Paramount’s ability to convert UFC fans into sustained Paramount+ subscribers. The streaming market is intensely competitive, with high churn rates and a saturated content landscape. Paramount must ensure that the UFC’s inclusion enhances the overall value of its platform without overshadowing other key offerings [6].

The transition also reflects a broader shift away from traditional cable TV and linear models, as media companies increasingly adopt digital-only strategies. The involvement of CBS in airing select UFC events suggests that broadcast television may still play a secondary role in the delivery of live sports, but its prominence is likely to diminish [7].

Ultimately, the UFC-Paramount deal underscores the rising importance of exclusive, high-impact content in the streaming economy. For both parties, the partnership represents a strategic investment in the future of digital media consumption and a direct challenge to the dominance of legacy platforms. Whether this bold move pays off remains to be seen, but it clearly demonstrates the evolving role of combat sports in shaping the digital entertainment landscape.

Source:

[1] Bitcoin.com (https://news.bitcoin.com/pro-crypto-ufc-inks-7-7-billion-deal-with-paramount/)

[2] Economic Times (https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/ufc-paramount-plus-deal-ufc-inks-7-7-billion-paramount-deal-in-us-whats-included-and-will-fans-face-higher-costs-for-live-sports/articleshow/123239187.cms)

[3] Yahoo.com (https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ufc-inks-7-7-billion-202627632.html)

[4] WebProNews (https://www.webpronews.com/paramount-inks-7-7b-ufc-rights-deal-ends-ppv-on-paramount-in-2026/)

[5] LowKickMMA.com (https://www.lowkickmma.com/breaking-ufc-signs-7-7-billion-deal-with-paramount-ends-pay-per-view-era/)

[6] MarketScreener (https://www.marketscreener.com/news/paramount-strikes-7-7-billion-media-rights-deal-for-ufc-events-ce7c5ed2d18ef621)

[7] MarketScreener (https://www.marketscreener.com/news/paramount-acquires-exclusive-ufc-media-rights-for-7-7-billion-ce7c5ed2de8bf526)