In a major shift for mixed martial arts broadcasting, TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro told CNBC Monday that all UFC numbered events—previously pay-per-view staples—will likely air on CBS as part of a comprehensive seven-year rights agreement with Paramount.
The deal, announced earlier today, positions UFC’s premium fights on Paramount Plus exclusively, with CBS simulcasting many events, including the flagship numbered cards. Shapiro described the arrangement as both a financial and strategic win for the organization, emphasizing the importance of balancing monetization with brand growth.
“We looked at really two parts of the strategy,” Shapiro said. “One is monetization, maximizing the value of our rights. But the second, just as importantly, is what’s the right home platform for the future growth of our brand and our business.”
Although Paramount Plus will serve as the exclusive streaming home for UFC content, Shapiro explained the network simulcasts are designed to drive subscriptions to the platform. Paramount Plus currently boasts approximately 77 million mostly domestic subscribers but lacks broad international reach.
“To us, it was important to have CBS play a big component in this. As they laid out, this is Paramount Plus exclusively, but CBS will have simulcasts on many of the fights and likely all the numbered ones which were formally pay-per-view fights,” said Shaprio.
The agreement reportedly includes an average annual value of $1.1 billion—double the amount UFC secured in its previous contract—underscoring the sport’s growing appeal and Paramount’s commitment.
The move brings UFC back to a broadcast network with deep sports pedigree. Shapiro referred to CBS as the “Tiffany Network,” evoking the golden era of sports broadcasting with legendary announcers like Jimmy “The Greek” and Brent Musburger. He highlighted CBS’s ownership of marquee events such as The Masters Tournament, Super Bowl, NFL games, and the Final Four as a strong complement to UFC’s brand.
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.
The broadcast exposure of UFC’s premium cards could significantly expand the sport’s audience by tapping into the mainstream sports viewership that CBS commands. It also marks a departure from the traditional pay-per-view model UFC has relied on for its biggest events.
With the deal set to kick off in 2026, UFC fans can expect a blend of streaming exclusivity and network television accessibility, potentially reshaping how mixed martial arts is consumed in the United States.
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