UFC Moves to Paramount in a 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, under a seven-year contract with TKO Group. The agreement, valued at an annual average of $1.1 billion, promises to transform the way fans consume UFC content. Starting in 2026, Paramount will be the exclusive platform for the distribution of the 13 numbered events and 30 “Fight Nights” of the UFC through its streaming platform, Paramount+. Some numbered events will also be simulcast on CBS.This agreement represents a significant change compared to the UFC’s current pay-per-view model, which, according to Paramount and TKO, will allow mixed martial arts programming to reach a wider audience across the country.This agreement positions 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 the UFC
Mark Shapiro, president and chief operating officer of TKO, added that the agreement will mean “a deeper engagement for the passionate UFC fanbase” and that its athletes “will love this new stage.” Currently, UFC events are broadcast on ESPN, which since 2019 has offered tiered pricing for fans to watch content through television offerings and the ESPN+ streaming platform. The UFC’s partnership with Disney-owned ESPN ends at the end of 2025. Paramount has also indicated 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 negotiating deals for the sports entertainment company.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 the must-see UFC events to our platforms is a big win.
David Ellison, President and CEO of Paramount
