In a sweeping shift for combat sports distribution, UFC and Paramount has reached an exclusive seven-year agreement to carry UFC’s full slate of events beginning in 2026 — ending the mixed martial arts organization’s long-standing Pay-Per-View model in the United States.
The deal, valued at an average annual $1.1 billion, will see all 13 numbered UFC events and 30 Fight Nights each year available to Paramount+ subscribers at no additional cost. Select marquee events will also simulcast on CBS, providing the sport with its largest potential broadcast reach to date.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Dana, Ari, and Mark,” Paramount Chairman and CEO David Ellison said. “Rarely do opportunities arise to partner exclusively with a global sports powerhouse like UFC. Live sports remain a cornerstone of our strategy — driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty — and adding UFC’s must-watch events to our platforms is a major win.”
For fans, the change means premium UFC events that once required a $70-plus PPV purchase will now be part of the standard Paramount+ package. For Paramount, it’s a bold play to leverage one of the most valuable properties in global sports to drive both streaming and broadcast engagement.
The UFC’s decision to move away from its lucrative but limited Pay-Per-View model comes as media companies increasingly prioritize accessibility and subscription growth over one-off purchases. By placing its top-tier events in front of a broader audience without an extra fee, UFC is betting the exposure will expand its fan base, bolster sponsorship opportunities, and create long-term value.
“This is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset,” said Ariel Emanuel, executive chair and CEO of TKO, UFC’s parent company. “Our decade-long journey with UFC has been defined by continuous growth, and this agreement is an important realization of our strategy.”
Mark Shapiro, TKO’s president and COO, echoed those sentiments, calling Paramount a “platinum partner” with the reach to elevate the sport. “Our new agreement unlocks powerful opportunities for years to come — meaningful economics for investors, expanded premium inventory for global brand partners, and deeper engagement for UFC’s passionate fan base,” Shapiro said.
Globally, UFC reaches nearly 950 million broadcast and digital households in more than 210 countries and territories, with programming in 50 languages and a roster of about 600 fighters representing 75 countries. In the United States, UFC counts roughly 100 million fans who engage across TV, digital, and social platforms.
Paramount also signaled interest in pursuing UFC rights outside the United States as they become available. The contract’s payment schedule is backloaded, positioning the financial impact to grow over the term.
The seven-year term, which begins in 2026, has an average annual value of $1.1 billion. The contract’s payment schedule is weighted more toward the back end of the deal.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox
