Paramount Strikes $7.7 Billion Deal to Stream UFC Exclusively on Paramount+

In a blockbuster move that reshapes the sports streaming landscape, Paramount Global has secured exclusive U.S. rights to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in a seven-year deal worth $7.7 billion, starting in 2026. The agreement, announced Monday, comes just days after Paramount finalized its long-awaited merger with Skydance Media, signaling an aggressive push into live sports under its new leadership.

Under the deal, all 43 annual UFC live events will stream exclusively on Paramount+ at no additional cost to subscribers—scrapping the previous pay-per-view model used by ESPN+. Fans will now have full access to fight nights, major championship bouts, and undercard events with a single subscription.

Why the UFC Paramount Deal Matters for Fans and the Sports Industry

The UFC Paramount deal is more than just a sports broadcasting agreement—it’s a major shake-up in how combat sports are delivered to audiences. With the elimination of pay-per-view fees, UFC fights become significantly more accessible, potentially expanding the fan base beyond its traditional audience.

According to Paramount executives, this change is designed to “unlock greater accessibility and discoverability for sports fans” while driving engagement and boosting Paramount+ subscriber growth.

Industry insiders note that UFC CEO Dana White had been in talks with streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon for months before finalizing with Paramount. This move positions Paramount as a serious contender in the battle for premium sports rights, following similar mega-deals in the wrestling and combat sports industry.

How the Deal Fits into Paramount’s Post-Merger Strategy

The deal is the first major move by Paramount since David Ellison, CEO of Skydance Media, assumed leadership following the merger. Backed by RedBird Capital Partners, the new leadership team is betting on sports content as a core growth driver.

This acquisition comes amid a wave of media companies vying for live sports dominance:

• Netflix secured a $5+ billion, 10-year deal with WWE for “Monday Night Raw.”

• ESPN signed a $1.6 billion, 5-year deal to broadcast WWE’s marquee events, including Wrestlemania.

By securing UFC, Paramount positions itself alongside these streaming powerhouses with a sport known for high engagement, international appeal, and loyal fan communities.

What This Means for UFC Fighters and the Organization

From the fighters’ perspective, increased streaming accessibility could mean larger audiences, more sponsorship opportunities, and greater exposure. UFC parent company TKO Group Holdings, which also owns WWE, stands to benefit from cross-promotional opportunities across platforms.

Endeavor, the majority shareholder in TKO, will likely explore international rights deals in partnership with Paramount, potentially making UFC events available in new global markets.

What’s Next for UFC on Paramount+?

While the U.S. deal begins next year, Paramount confirmed it is exploring opportunities to acquire UFC rights internationally as they become available. Analysts believe this could set the stage for a global sports streaming strategy that mirrors Netflix’s approach to scripted content.

For fans, this could mean a single, affordable subscription that delivers every UFC fight night—live and on-demand—without the $70+ pay-per-view charges that were common under ESPN’s model.

Bold move, bigger fights, broader reach—the UFC Paramount deal could redefine combat sports broadcasting for years to come.

The UFC Paramount deal signals a major shift in sports broadcasting, merging premium combat sports content with mass accessibility, and positioning Paramount+ as a top-tier sports streaming destination.

You Must Know

1. What is the UFC Paramount deal?
It’s a $7.7 billion, seven-year agreement granting Paramount Global exclusive U.S. streaming rights to all UFC events on Paramount+, starting in 2026.

2. Will UFC events still be pay-per-view?
No. All 43 annual UFC events will be included in the Paramount+ subscription at no additional cost.

3. When does the deal start?
The agreement takes effect in 2026 and will run through 2033.

4. How will this impact UFC fans?
Fans will have more affordable access to all fights, potentially leading to a larger viewing audience and more engagement.

5. Who owns UFC?
UFC is owned by TKO Group Holdings, a company majority-owned by Endeavor, which also owns WWE.

6. Will the deal cover international UFC rights?
Currently, the agreement covers U.S. rights, but Paramount is considering acquiring rights in other countries in the future.