UFC Signs Record $7.7 Billion Broadcast Deal with Paramount
The UFC has sealed a record-breaking $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount, officially ending the pay-per-view era for U.S. fight fans. Starting in 2026, every UFC live event — from massive title fights to high-stakes Fight Nights — will stream on Paramount+, reshaping how mixed martial arts is consumed in America.
End of the ESPN Era, Start of the Paramount Partnership
The historic agreement comes as the UFC’s long-running ESPN deal ends in late 2025. Under the new arrangement, Paramount+ will carry all 13 UFC pay-per-view cards and 30 additional Fight Night events each year, while select cards will air on CBS to capture a broader mainstream audience.
What It Means for UFC Fans and PPV Pricing
For U.S. fans who currently pay $79.99 per PPV, the shift to a streaming subscription is a game-changer. Paramount+ plans start at $7.99 per month, with an ad-free tier (including Showtime) at $12.99. While 2026 pricing hasn’t been confirmed, the UFC-Paramount deal promises much more affordable access to the sport’s biggest nights.
Financial Impact of the UFC–Paramount Agreement
Financially, the seven-year UFC broadcast deal averages $1.1 billion annually — more than double ESPN’s previous $500 million-per-year contract. Payments will climb in later years, reflecting the UFC’s rising value as one of the fastest-growing sports brands in the world.
Paramount’s Strategy for UFC and Live Sports
Paramount CEO David Ellison called the acquisition of UFC broadcast rights “a major win” for the company’s live sports strategy, highlighting the combination of streaming reach and CBS network exposure. Ellison also hinted at exploring international UFC rights, potentially expanding the promotion’s global footprint.
Changing the Sports Broadcasting Landscape
The move follows a growing sports industry trend of bundling premium events into streaming subscriptions instead of standalone pay-per-view sales. By adopting this model, the UFC joins leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB in pursuing broader access and stronger year-round engagement. For perspective, the NFL’s media deal is worth $10 billion annually, the NBA’s $2.5 billion, and MLB’s $1.5 billion.
UFC’s Future Beyond ESPN
Even with ESPN exiting the UFC broadcast picture, TKO Group Holdings — the UFC’s parent company — will maintain its $1.6 billion partnership with ESPN for WWE premium live events. UFC President Dana White called the Paramount deal “a milestone” that puts the UFC “among the biggest sports in the world.”
