In a move that sends shockwaves through the world of sports broadcasting, Paramount has officially secured the US rights to the UFC. Following its recent merger with Skydance, the media giant announced it has acquired the rights to TKO Group’s MMA promotion for a seven-year period, beginning in 2026. The deal, valued at an average of $1.1 billion annually and a total of $7.7 billion, will see all 13 of the UFC’s marquee events and 30 “Fight Nights” streamed exclusively on Paramount+. Select events will also be simulcast on CBS, a key detail of the new partnership.
An End to the Pay-Per-View Era
The most significant aspect of this new deal is the complete abolition of the pay-per-view (PPV) model for UFC events. Unlike Disney’s ESPN, which previously held the rights for a five-year, $500 million deal, Paramount+ will not charge any extra fees for its premium events. This shift is a game-changer for fans, who will now have access to the entire UFC portfolio for the standard monthly subscription fee.
According to Mark Shapiro, president and chief operating officer of TKO Group, the PPV model is “a thing of the past.” He highlighted the benefits of a one-stop-shop approach, particularly for younger fans. “When they find out, ‘Wait, if I just sign up for Paramount+ for $12.99 a month, I’m going to automatically get UFC’s numbered fights and the rest of the portfolio?’ That’s a message we want to amplify,” Shapiro said, underscoring the company’s vision to make content more accessible.
Strategic Acquisitions by Paramount
The acquisition of the UFC rights comes at a busy time for both companies. Just days before the deal was finalised, Paramount completed its merger with Skydance Media, bringing in new leadership under CEO David Ellison. TKO Group, formed by the merger of UFC and WWE in 2023, also recently signed a separate £1.6 billion deal with ESPN for WWE’s premium live events.
Ellison stated that acquiring the entire UFC package was crucial due to the scarcity of top-tier sports rights in the coming years. With Formula 1 rights likely going to Apple and Major League Baseball reorganising its media packages in 2028, Ellison described the UFC as a “unicorn asset that comes up about once a decade,” confirming the immense value the company places on the MMA promotion.
What the Future Holds for UFC and Paramount+
UFC events are a particularly attractive asset for streamers because they happen year-round, keeping subscribers engaged and reducing the likelihood of cancellations. The annual calendar consists of 43 live events and over 350 hours of programming. Paramount is also exploring the possibility of acquiring the UFC’s international rights as they become available on a rolling basis. The new deal grants Paramount a 30-day exclusive negotiating window for each country’s rights as they come up for renewal. This move could see the partnership expand globally and further cement Paramount’s position in the sports streaming market.
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquiring Company | Paramount (with Skydance) |
| Acquired Rights | U.S. rights to UFC (starting 2026) |
| Deal Value | $7.7 billion over 7 years ($1.1 billion/year) |
| Content Included | 13 marquee events and 30 “Fight Nights” |
| Platform | All events on Paramount+, select events on CBS |
| Key Change | Elimination of the pay-per-view model |
| Previous Rights Holder | ESPN (Disney) |
What company acquired the UFC rights?
Paramount has acquired the rights to the UFC in a seven-year deal worth $7.7 billion, beginning in 2026.
How will fans watch UFC events under the new deal?
All UFC events, including premium numbered fights, will be available to stream on Paramount+ without any additional pay-per-view fees.
Why did Paramount acquire the UFC rights?
According to CEO David Ellison, the UFC is a highly valuable “unicorn asset” that provides year-round live content, which is crucial for retaining monthly subscribers.
What was the previous UFC deal?
The previous deal was a five-year contract with Disney’s ESPN, which was valued at an average of £500 million per year and used a pay-per-view model for premium events.
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