Paramount secures $7.7B rights deal with UFC for seven years

Paramount and TKO Group have made headlines with a groundbreaking agreement that will change how fans consume UFC content. In a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal, Paramount has secured exclusive rights to broadcast all UFC events in the U.S. starting in 2026. This means that fight enthusiasts can catch all 13 main UFC events and 30 Fight Nights on Paramount+, with some events simulcast on CBS.

One of the most exciting aspects of this deal is that Paramount is ditching the traditional pay-per-view model, making premium UFC events available to Paramount+ subscribers at no extra cost. The agreement’s payment structure is backloaded, and Paramount has plans to expand UFC rights globally as opportunities arise in the future.

In a move that has raised eyebrows, Paramount has the right to create original content based on UFC, similar to Apple’s approach with F1 racing. This collaboration comes on the heels of Skydance acquiring Paramount, underscoring Paramount’s commitment to securing top-tier sports content.

TKO’s President & COO, Mark Shapiro, revealed that negotiations with Paramount kicked off in early June after ESPN’s exclusive window expired. The rapid pace of reaching this deal underscores the high demand for premium sports rights in the industry. UFC President Dana White expressed his surprise at the outcome but highlighted his excitement about the partnership with Paramount.

For Paramount, this deal is not just about sports—it’s a strategic move to drive viewership to its streaming services, including Paramount+ and Pluto. With a subscription costing $13 a month without ads and $8 a month with commercials, Paramount aims to boost engagement, attract more subscribers, and significantly increase revenue across its platforms.

The reactions to this groundbreaking deal have been overwhelmingly positive on social media, with fans and analysts celebrating the end of the pay-per-view model and the accessibility of premium UFC events through Paramount+. This deal signals a new chapter for how sports content is distributed and consumed in the digital age.