A historic seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal shifts UFC entirely onto Paramount+ and CBS, ending the traditional pay-per-view structure and aiming to boost accessibility and growth.
At a Glance
- Paramount Skydance secures exclusive U.S. streaming rights to all UFC events beginning in 2026.
- Annual rights fees average approximately $1.1 billion, more than double the prior deal.
- UFC events include 13 numbered cards and 30 Fight Night broadcasts per year.
- Big events will also air on CBS simultaneously with Paramount+.
- The model eliminates pay-per-view costs, bundling content into standard Paramount+ subscriptions.
A Transformational Streaming Agreement
Paramount Skydance, newly formed after the completion of the Skydance-Paramount merger, reached a landmark agreement with UFC’s owner, TKO Group, to become the exclusive U.S. home for the promotion starting in 2026. The deal spans seven years and is valued at $7.7 billion, translating to an average annual payment of $1.1 billion—significantly higher than the previous ESPN deal. Under the agreement, all UFC content—including marquee numbered events and regular Fight Nights—will stream on Paramount+ at no extra cost, with several high-profile cards simulcast on CBS.
Watch now: Paramount Secures UFC Streaming Rights In $7.7 Billion Deal · YouTube
Ending Pay-Per-View, Expanding Reach
This strategic move effectively ends UFC’s traditional pay-per-view model in the U.S., replacing it with a more accessible streaming structure where fans pay only their existing Paramount+ subscription fee. Executives emphasize that consolidating content on a leading streaming platform plus broadcast exposure via CBS enhances visibility and consumer value.
Strategic Timing and Execution
The deal was finalized swiftly—within just 48 hours following the closure of the Skydance-Paramount merger—demonstrating decisive negotiation and a seamless strategic pivot by both parties. The move positions Paramount as a strong competitor in the live sports streaming landscape, fueling subscriber growth and content differentiation in an era of cord-cutting.
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