UFC to End Pay-Per-View Model in 2026 With $7.7 Billion Streaming Deal
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The UFC is ending its pay-per-view model in 2026 and will instead opt to send all fights in the United States to the Paramount+ streaming app. This landmark deal was struck between Paramount Skydance, the merged company that CEO David Ellison just took over.
The new deal will effectively remove the UFC Fight Nights and the pay-per-view events from ESPN and ESPN+, and move them to Paramount+, where fans can watch all fights at no additional charge. Some fights will also be highlighted on CBS.
This new deal is said to be valued at $1.1 billion, with an overall value of $7.7 billion over that period, according to Variety.
Dana White is seen during UFC 312 at Qudos Bank Arena on February 09, 2025 in Sydney, Australia.
Dana White is seen during UFC 312 at Qudos Bank Arena on February 09, 2025 in Sydney, Australia.In a statement from Paramount and TKO, the move away from fans having to pay for the marquee UFC numbered events will "unlock greater accessibility and discoverability for sports fans and provide an important catalyst for driving engagement and further subscriber growth for Paramount+."
Emanuel, executive chair and CEO of TKO, said in a statement, "This is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset. Our decade-long journey with UFC has been defined by continuous growth and expansion, and this agreement is an important realization of our strategy. We believe wholeheartedly in David's vision and look forward to being in business with a company that will prioritize technology as a means to enhance storytelling and the overall viewing experience."
Breaking News 🚨UFC has a new home in 2026 only on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/FUQjemPnBS — danawhite (@danawhite) August 11, 2025
UFC CEO Dana White also made a statement on the deal, stating:
"The historic deal with Paramount and CBS is incredible for UFC fans and our athletes. For the first time ever, fans in the US will have access to all the UFC content without a Pay-Per-View model, making it more affordable and accessible to view the greatest fights on a massive platform. This deal puts UFC amongst the biggest sports in the world. The exposure provided by the Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a huge win for our athletes and anyone who watches and loves this sport."
This is a massive deal for MMA fans, as they will only have to subscribe to the Paramount+ app to enjoy the 13 annual numbered events that were previously charging around $69.99 to watch, and the 30 Fight Night events as well.
ESPN is losing the UFC in 2026, but the company is also picking up WWE streaming, which could be why the new deal was set in place.
There is no telling if the Paramount+ app will increase prices considering the UFC events will arrive in 2026.
For more MMA and UFC news, head to Newsweek Sports.
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