Zuffa Boxing Arrives on Paramount+ and CBS in 2026
Paramount and TKO Group Holdings have announced a long-term media rights agreement that will bring Zuffa Boxing, a new promotion formed by TKO and Saudi Arabia’s entertainment conglomerate, Sela, to Paramount+ and CBS starting in 2026. This news comes shortly after Paramount+ and CBS acquired the exclusive media rights to the UFC in the United States, also owned by TKO, starting in 2026. Zuffa Boxing was formed in March and is operated by UFC CEO Dana White, WWE President Nick Khan, and Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalshikh. The new deal announced on Monday, which refers to the United States, Canada, and Latin America, contemplates 12 events in 2026. The exact financial terms of the deal were not 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, a renowned boxing fan, has been fundamental in building the UFC into a global powerhouse since 2011, when he and Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta formed Zuffa LLC and bought the promotion, which was founded in 1993. According to White, Zuffa Boxing is heavily involved in the talent acquisition process at the moment. White confirmed that female athletes will be included. It remains to be seen exactly how Zuffa Boxing fits into the sporting landscape. Historically, matchups in boxing have been heavily 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.I am excited to bring major boxing events to a global audience. There are 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
