UFC Signs Million-Dollar Deal with Paramount: New Era for MMA
In a piece of news that shakes the mixed martial arts world, Paramount will become the new home of all Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events in the United States. This seven-year agreement with TKO Group, announced this Monday, marks a significant milestone for the promotion. The agreement has an average annual value of $1.1 billion, according to the companies. Starting in 2026, Paramount will exclusively distribute the complete UFC programming, including its 13 most important numbered events and 30 “Fight Nights,” through its streaming platform, Paramount+. In addition, some selected numbered events will be simulcast on CBS.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 a wider audience across the country.This agreement puts the UFC among the biggest sports in the world. The exposure provided by Paramount and CBS 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
Mark Shapiro, president and chief operating officer of TKO, added that the agreement will mean “a deeper involvement for the passionate UFC fanbase” and that its athletes “will love this new scenario.” Currently, UFC events are broadcast on ESPN. The UFC’s partnership with ESPN, owned by Disney, extends until the end of 2025. Paramount indicated that it intends 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 the broadcast of its premium live events, such as WrestleMania.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 must-see UFC events throughout the year to our platforms is a big win.
David Ellison, President and CEO of Paramount
