Key Points:
- Beginning in 2026, Paramount Plus becomes the exclusive U.S. home for UFC, with select numbered events simulcast on CBS.
- UFC will stop offering its events via pay-per-view in the U.S.
- Paramount will pay around $1.1 billion for the privilege of airing UFC events, and will pursue rights to UFC for Paramount Plus outside the U.S. as those rights become available.
Fresh from its $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, Paramount has wasted no time in announcing its next major television deal.
On Monday, the company said it has inked a seven-year agreement with TKO Group that will see Paramount Plus and CBS become the exclusive U.S. home of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) rights in the United States. Paramount also plans to pursue international rights to UFC events as they become available, the company said.
The deal is valued at $1.1 billion per year, the two sides affirmed. Paramount Plus will carry all 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights each year, effectively replacing the UFC’s model of offering most of its high-prized fights on pay-per-view. Some UFC events will also air on CBS. Previously, UFC events were offered on Fox and ESPN, with pay-per-view events sold through ESPN Plus.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Dana, Ari, and Mark. Rarely do opportunities arise to partner on an exclusive basis with a global sports powerhouse like UFC, an organization with extraordinary global recognition, scale, and cultural impact,” said David Ellison, the Chairman and CEO of Paramount. “Paramount’s advantage lies in the expansive reach of our linear and streaming platforms. Live sports continue to be a cornerstone of our broader strategy, driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty, and the addition of UFC’s year-round must-watch events to our platforms is a major win. We look forward to delivering this premium content to millions of fans in the U.S., and potentially beyond.”
Paramount said the shift in distribution will expand accessibility for sports fans, drive subscriber engagement and growth, and enhance discoverability of UFC events. The company also indicated it will explore securing UFC rights in international markets as they become available.
“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. “Our decade-long journey with UFC has been defined by continuous growth and expansion, and this agreement is an important realization of our strategy. We believe wholeheartedly in David’s vision and look forward to being in business with a company that will prioritize technology as a means to enhance storytelling and the overall viewing experience.”
