UFC Signs Major Streaming Deal with Paramount+
The UFC has just made a groundbreaking $7.7 billion deal with Paramount+ to bring you 43 events a year! Say goodbye to Pay Per View for all their numbered events, which will now be streamed on Paramount +. On top of that, CBS will also be getting some UFC content to air on their broadcast network. This huge deal is the first major move by Paramount’s new Chairman and CEO, David Ellison, since the merger with Skydance last year. Ellison is all about focusing on what matters most and delivering more movies, TV series, sports, news, and games to global audiences.
Since its creation in September 2023, TKO Holdings Group has been on a roll. Formed by the talent agency Endeavor, TKO now oversees the combined company of the UFC and WWE. Led by CFO Ari Emmanuel and COO Mark Shapiro, they’ve already sealed three major deals. In January, they announced a $5 billion agreement with Netflix to air WWE Raw. And just last week, they locked in a $1.6 billion deal with ESPN for WWE’s premium events, which will be part of ESPN’s new streaming service for $29.99 a month.
Now, with the blockbuster $7.7 billion Paramount+ deal, Ellison and Paramount + are set to reap massive benefits. For just $7.99 a month, you can access the essential service that includes the UFC. The premium service for $12.99 even includes the movie service Showtime. Paramount’s year-round programming ensures that viewers will stay signed up for the streaming service all year long.
UFC fans, get ready for 43 events a year, including 13 numbered cards and 30 fight nights, all for just $7.99 a month. No more shelling out $79.99 per card for the biggest fights! Dana White and everyone from UFC fans to the athletes themselves are thrilled to see the end of the PPV model. No more limited exposure to the sport’s best fighters – now, anyone who can stream will have access to those incredible fights. It’s a huge win for everyone involved.
However, this is a significant loss for ESPN. The vast library of content created by the UFC, from weigh-in shows to reality shows and a library of great fights, won’t be available on ESPN’s streaming service for $29.99. It’s clear that Paramount’s deal with the UFC is a game-changer for all involved parties.
