In a seismic shift for U.S. sports broadcasting, Paramount has secured the exclusive U.S. rights to the UFC in a groundbreaking seven-year, $7.7 billion agreement set to begin in 2026. The deal covers UFC’s full annual slate of 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights, totaling 43 live events and 350 hours of live programming each year.
Under the agreement, Paramount+ will become the primary home for UFC in the United States, streaming every fight at no additional cost to subscribers. Select events will also air on CBS, creating a dual-platform exposure strategy designed to maximize audience reach.
This marks a bold departure from the pay-per-view model — historically used for UFC’s premium events — with Paramount betting that the value lies in subscription growth, retention, and mass accessibility.
The End of Pay-Per-View for UFC
The elimination of the PPV structure is a strategic pivot that positions Paramount as a disruptor in sports broadcasting. By folding all UFC content into its existing subscription package, Paramount aims to capture younger, streaming-native audiences while making premium combat sports more accessible.
Industry analysts note that this model could have a ripple effect, pushing other rights holders to reconsider their premium content strategies.
The Bigger Picture for Sports Rights
The acquisition comes just days after Paramount’s high-profile merger with Skydance Media, led by CEO David Ellison. With live sports rights becoming increasingly scarce — and with major properties like Formula 1 and MLB unlikely to hit the open market for years — UFC represents one of the few premium global sports assets available this decade.
For streamers, UFC offers a unique advantage: it runs year-round, ensuring steady subscriber engagement without the seasonal churn that plagues other sports.
Paramount is also positioning itself for global expansion, holding a 30-day exclusive negotiating window for UFC’s international rights as they come up for renewal in over 210 countries.
What This Means for the Sports Industry?
- For Broadcasters: A potential blueprint for bundling premium sports into core subscription packages.
- For Fans: Increased access without PPV costs, expanding the UFC’s reach beyond hardcore audiences.
- For Sponsors: Greater year-round exposure opportunities via an always-on sports property.
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