UFC Deal Boosts Paramount+ Subscriber Growth

Just days after Skydance closed its $8.4 billion merger with Paramount, exciting news has emerged. Paramount has signed an exclusive seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with UFC, positioning its streaming service, Paramount+, for a huge spike in subscribers. Under this deal, all 13 major numbered events and the 30 weekend “Fight Night” cards will stream on Paramount+, with some events simulcast on CBS.

The agreement with UFC, known for having a young and dedicated fan base, is a strategic move that will boost Paramount’s streaming platform. Despite a slight loss of 1.3 million subscribers in the last quarter, with 77.7 million paid subscribers at the end of the second quarter of 2025, Paramount+ is holding its own among streaming services like NBCUniversal’s Peacock and ESPN+. However, it still lags behind top contenders like Disney+ and HBO Max.

According to Nielsen, in June, Paramount+ captured 2% of U.S. video consumption, surpassing Peacock and other streaming platforms. The platform’s original series like Yellowstone and SpongeBob SquarePants have been major hits, with excellent viewership numbers and positive reception.

Paramount+ has found success with its sports programming as well, most notably with the NFL. The platform set a viewership record with its simulcast of Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024. With the upcoming UFC events to be streamed on Paramount+, the platform is poised to attract even more subscribers and gain ground in the competitive streaming landscape.