UFC signs mega deal with Paramount: 7 years and $77 billion

UFC Finds New Home at Paramount in a Multi-Million Dollar Deal

A historic agreement has been announced, marking a significant change in the world of mixed martial arts. Paramount will become the new home of all Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events in the United States, according to a seven-year deal with TKO Group, announced this Monday. The agreement has an average annual value of $1.1 billion, according to the companies. This strategic agreement promises to redefine the way fans consume UFC events. Starting in 2026, Paramount will exclusively distribute the complete UFC programming, including its 13 most important numbered events and 30 “Fight Nights” on its streaming platform, Paramount+. Some numbered events will also be simulcast on CBS, expanding audience reach.

This agreement puts the UFC among the biggest sports in the world. The exposure provided by Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a great victory for our athletes and for anyone who watches and loves this sport.

Dana White, CEO of UFC

This change represents a deviation from the UFC’s current pay-per-event model, which, according to Paramount and TKO, will allow mixed martial arts programming to reach more consumers across the country.

Paramount’s advantage lies in the expansive reach of our linear and streaming platforms. Live sports remain a cornerstone of our broader strategy, driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty, and the addition of must-see UFC events throughout the year to our platforms is a big win.

David Ellison, President and CEO of Paramount

Mark Shapiro, president and chief operating officer of TKO, added that the agreement will mean “a deeper commitment to the passionate UFC fanbase” and that its athletes “will love this new stage.” UFC events are currently broadcast on ESPN. The UFC’s partnership with ESPN, owned by Disney, extends until the end of 2025. Paramount has stated its intention to explore UFC rights outside the United States “as they become available in the future”. This news comes a few days after Skydance and Paramount officially closed their $8 billion merger. In addition to the UFC, TKO also hosts WWE and has been actively working on deals for the sports entertainment company. Last week, Disney announced a deal with WWE that will see its premium live events, such as WrestleMania, broadcast on ESPN.