Paramount Strikes Exclusive $7.7 Billion USD Media Rights Deal With UFC
The recent announcement of an exclusive seven-year, $7.7 billion USD deal betweenParamountand the UFC marks a seismic shift in the world of sports broadcasting. Starting in 2026, the era of paying a premium for individualUFCevents will come to an end, as the entire fight catalog—including all numbered events and Fight Nights—moves exclusively toParamount+. Select marquee fights will also be simulcast on CBS, offering unprecedented access to the sport.
This deal is a decisive strategic maneuver for both organizations. For the UFC, the move away from the traditional pay-per-view model to a single streaming platform is a bold step towards expanding its audience. This move also pulls the MMA events from Disney's ESPN. As UFC PresidentDana Whiteand TKO Group COO Mark Shapiro noted, the old system was driving fans to illegal streams. This new agreement simplifies the viewing experience and makes the sport more accessible and affordable, a major win for the fanbase. Paramount will begin exclusively distributing UFC's full slate of yearly marquees including its 13 numbered events and 30 fight nights starting in 2026. In a joint statement, Paramount and TKO noted that the shift in distribution strategy 'will unlock greater accessibility and discoverability for sports fans and provide an important catalyst for driving engagement and further subscriber growth for Paramount+.'
For Paramount, this is a clear signal of its intent to dominate the streaming landscape. In a crowded market, live sports have proven to be a key driver of subscriber growth and retention. By acquiring the rights to one of the world's most popular and consistent sports properties, Paramount+ positions itself as a must-have service for millions of fight fans. Paramount has stated that it does plan to explore UFC rights outside of the U.S. in the future. The deal is a testament to the escalating value of exclusive content and the ongoing battle for supremacy in the streaming wars.
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