UFC is coming to Paramount in a major deal that sees the end of the traditional pay-per-view business model.
On Monday, Paramount and TKO announced a new, seven-year media rights deal that sees Paramount become the exclusive home of all UFC events in the United States. Starting in 2026, all numbered UFC events will stream live on Paramount+, and “select marquee fights” will simulcast on CBS. According to the press release, all 13 of UFC’s 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights will stream on Paramount+.
The agreement also sees UFC and Paramount move away from the mixed martial arts promotion’s existing pay-per-view model. Now, these premium events will be available at no additional cost to the Paramount+ subscriber base in the United States.
The seven-year deal with Paramount holds an average annual value of $1.1 billion, for a total of $7.7 billion. However, it was noted that the contract’s payment schedule is back-loaded with more weight attached to the end of the agreement.
UFC and TKO comment on Paramount deal
“I couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Dana, Ari, and Mark. Rarely do opportunities arise to partner on an exclusive basis with a global sports powerhouse like UFC – an organization with extraordinary global recognition, scale, and cultural impact,” said David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount. “Paramount’s advantage lies in the expansive reach of our linear and streaming platforms. Live sports continue to be a cornerstone of our broader strategy — driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty, and the addition of UFC’s year-round must-watch events to our platforms is a major win. We look forward to delivering this premium content to millions of fans in the U.S., and potentially beyond.”
“This is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset,” said Ariel Emanuel, Executive Chair and CEO, TKO. “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.”
“Paramount is a platinum partner with significant reach,” said Mark Shapiro, President and COO, TKO. “Our new agreement unlocks powerful opportunities at TKO for years to come – meaningful economics for investors; expanded premium inventory for global brand partners; and deeper engagement for UFC’s passionate fanbase. Just as importantly, our athletes will love this new stage.”
The news about UFC’s new broadcast rights deal follows WWE’s recent contract with ESPN. Last week, WWE and ESPN announced a “landmark” rights agreement that will see all WWE Premium Live Events air exclusively on ESPN platforms in the United States. The agreement begins in 2026, and it includes every WWE PLE, including the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Survivor Series.
