Zuffa Boxing Arrives on Paramount+ and CBS in 2026
A long-term media rights agreement between Paramount and TKO Group Holdings has been announced, marking a significant milestone for the boxing world. This agreement will ensure the broadcast of Zuffa Boxing, a new promotion created by TKO and the Saudi entertainment conglomerate Sela, through Paramount+ and CBS starting in 2026. This news adds to the acquisition by Paramount+ and CBS of the exclusive media rights of the UFC in the United States, also owned by TKO, starting in 2026. Zuffa Boxing, founded in March, is led by key figures such as Dana White, CEO of UFC; Nick Khan, president of WWE; and Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. The new agreement, which covers the United States, Canada, and Latin America, includes 12 events in 2026. The specific financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.The unofficial launch of Zuffa Boxing took place earlier this month, when Alalshikh and White joined forces to promote a super fight between Terence Crawford and Canelo Álvarez at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. That event was streamed on Netflix. White, known for his passion for boxing, has been fundamental in the transformation of the UFC into a global powerhouse. In an interview, White anticipated that fans will see similarities in how he will approach success in boxing.I am excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience. There will be millions of boxing fans who will now be able to watch competitive fights with promising boxers, as well as the biggest stars in the sport. Paramount will be the home for UFC and boxing fans to watch the best fights in combat sports.
Dana White
According to White, Zuffa Boxing is focused on the talent acquisition process. White confirmed that female athletes will be included. It remains to be seen how Zuffa Boxing will integrate into the sports landscape. Historically, boxing matches have been influenced by sanctioning bodies, while the UFC maintains exclusive matchmaking responsibilities in mixed martial arts. Like the UFC, Zuffa Boxing intends to create its own championships, rather than relying on traditional sanctioning bodies such as the WBA, WBO, WBC, and IBF.Basically, as a boxing fanatic, the way the UFC was built was with all the things I loved about boxing and [none] of the things I hated about boxing. I hope a lot of what you saw at the beginning in the UFC happens with boxing now.
Dana White
