UFC to Stream on Paramount+ Under 7-Year $7.7B Deal, Replace ESPN/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Paramount will become the exclusive U.S. home for all UFC events starting in 2026. The seven-year deal with TKO Group is worth $1.1 billion annually. Events will stream on Paramount+, with select fights also airing on CBS.
Paramount–UFC Streaming Deal Quick Looks
- Paramount secures exclusive U.S. rights to UFC events starting in 2026.
- Agreement covers 13 numbered events and 30 “Fight Nights” annually.
- Content will stream on Paramount+, with some events simulcast on CBS.
- Marks a shift away from UFC’s pay-per-view model on ESPN+.
- Seven-year contract worth $1.1 billion per year.
- ESPN partnership ends December 2025 after a six-year run.
- Paramount exploring international UFC rights in the future.
- Deal comes days after Paramount’s sale to Skydance was finalized.
- New CEO David Ellison calls live sports key to streaming growth.
- TKO stock rose 5.4% on announcement.
UFC to Stream on Paramount+ Under 7-Year $7.7B Deal, Replace ESPN
Deep Look
Paramount is stepping into the octagon — at least figuratively — with a blockbuster agreement to become the exclusive U.S. home for Ultimate Fighting Championship events beginning in 2026. The seven-year deal with UFC parent company TKO Group Holdings, announced Monday, is valued at an average of $1.1 billion annually, amounting to a total package worth approximately $7.7 billion.
Under the agreement, Paramount will stream all of the UFC’s marquee programming — including 13 “numbered” events and 30 “Fight Nights” each year — on its subscription platform Paramount+. Select numbered events will also be simulcast on CBS, giving the mixed martial arts league expanded reach into traditional broadcast television.
A Shift From Pay-Per-View
The move represents a significant departure from UFC’s current U.S. distribution model. Since 2019, UFC content has been available through ESPN’s cable channels and its ESPN+ streaming platform, often with additional pay-per-view fees for major events. By contrast, Paramount+ subscribers — who currently pay between $7.99 and $12.99 per month — will gain access to the full slate of UFC events without having to purchase separate PPV packages.
David Ellison, Paramount’s new chairman and CEO, framed the deal as a major milestone for the company’s evolving sports strategy.
“Paramount’s advantage lies in the expansive reach of our linear and streaming platforms,” Ellison said. “Live sports continue to be a cornerstone of our broader strategy — driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty. Adding UFC’s year-round must-watch events is a major win.”
Mark Shapiro, TKO’s president and COO, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the benefits for UFC’s loyal audience.
“This will mean deeper engagement for UFC’s passionate fan base, and our athletes will love this new stage,” he said.
End of the ESPN Era
UFC’s current contract with Disney-owned ESPN expires at the end of 2025. ESPN reportedly pays around $550 million per year for UFC rights — about half of what Paramount is committing under the new agreement. While ESPN’s approach has been lucrative, some fans have criticized the tiered pricing structure, which required both a subscription and separate pay-per-view purchases for top fights.
By consolidating all UFC content onto Paramount+, the league and its new broadcast partner hope to streamline access and appeal to a broader audience. Analysts say the deal could attract new subscribers to Paramount’s streaming service, especially younger viewers and sports enthusiasts.
Global Ambitions
While the new agreement covers only U.S. broadcast and streaming rights, Paramount confirmed it is exploring opportunities to secure UFC rights in other regions when those become available. The announcement comes just days after Paramount completed its high-profile sale to Skydance Media, ending a year-long saga over the future of the legacy media company.
Ellison, the son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, has emphasized expanding direct-to-consumer streaming offerings and leveraging technology to compete in an increasingly crowded media landscape. Securing premium live sports rights is seen as a cornerstone of that strategy.
Market Reaction
Shares of TKO Group — which also owns World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) — jumped 5.4% in Monday morning trading following news of the deal. Analysts say the agreement could provide a long-term revenue boost for both TKO and Paramount, while also intensifying competition in the sports streaming space.
The UFC, founded in 1993, has grown into one of the most popular sports organizations in the world, with a fan base that spans continents and demographics. Its mix of high-intensity bouts, global star power, and year-round programming makes it a highly attractive property for broadcasters and streaming services alike.
For Paramount, the partnership with UFC marks both a bold financial commitment and a calculated strategic play. If successful, it could not only elevate the company’s sports profile but also help it compete against heavyweights like Disney, Amazon, and NBCUniversal in the battle for streaming dominance.
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