News Summary
Paramount has struck a historic seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights agreement with the UFC, enabling exclusive streaming of all UFC events on Paramount+ starting in 2026. This deal, which includes numerous events and simulcasts on CBS, aims to elevate Paramount’s content portfolio and subscriber growth in the competitive streaming market. The transition away from the pay-per-view model marks a significant shift for UFC’s media revenue strategy, with potential impacts on viewer engagement and accessibility.
Los Angeles – Paramount has secured a landmark seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), allowing Paramount+ to stream all UFC events exclusively in the United States starting in 2026. This deal is set to significantly enhance Paramount’s content portfolio and subscriber growth strategy as it expands its offerings in the competitive streaming landscape.
The agreement includes 13 numbered events and 30 “Fight Nights,” with select events also being simulcast on CBS, thus bringing UFC’s electrifying action to a broader audience. This new arrangement is intended to provide fans with easy access to live UFC broadcasts while aligning with the company’s objectives of improving viewer engagement and discoverability.
UFC CEO Dana White praised the aggressive approach taken by David Ellison, the CEO of Skydance Media, shortly after the merger between Skydance Media and Paramount was approved. David Ellison is notably the son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, one of the world’s richest individuals. The merger and subsequent deal reflect a strategic shift for both entities, focusing on capitalizing on the sport’s dedicated fanbase.
The financial implications of this deal are substantial. The average annual value of the agreement is approximately $1.1 billion, which positions UFC media rights revenue in close proximity to other major sports leagues, including Major League Baseball, which stands at $1.8 billion, and the Olympics, which generates $1.3 billion. In contrast, it dwarfs rights revenues from organizations such as the National Hockey League ($635 million) and the PGA Tour ($700 million).
This agreement nearly doubles UFC’s current media revenue from its existing ESPN contract, which provides approximately $350 million annually until 2025. A significant change resulting from the Paramount deal is the elimination of the pay-per-view model, previously part of the ESPN agreement. Mark Shapiro, the president of TKO Holdings, noted that the transition away from the PPV model aims to mitigate high costs that contribute to widespread piracy.
In the wake of this deal, TKO’s stock increased by over 10%, reflecting investor optimism regarding the agreement, although Paramount’s stock saw a slight dip. Paramount, with 77.7 million subscribers as of July 31, lags behind major competitors like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Thus, the UFC deal represents a critical component of Paramount’s efforts to bolster its subscriber base and compete more effectively in the streaming market.
UFC plans to continue selling its international media rights through IMG, which is estimated to bring in an additional $250 million per year. Unlike many other sports leagues, UFC retains control over its broadcast productions, which helps maintain the integrity and quality of its events.
Discussions regarding the media rights package initially included potential partnerships with multiple organizations, including Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, but ultimately culminated in this substantial agreement with Paramount. As part of the deal’s promotional efforts, UFC has announced plans to host an event at the White House around July 4, 2026, which may be broadcast on CBS, further reinforcing the network’s partnership with the UFC.
Overall, the UFC’s decision to align with Paramount represents a strategic move to enhance viewer access and engagement while also strengthening the financial position of both entities within the rapidly evolving landscape of sports broadcasting.
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Sun: Paramount Secures UFC Streaming Rights
- Wikipedia: Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Forbes: Dana White on UFC Streaming Deal
- Google Search: UFC Streaming Deal
- Bloomberg: Paramount Buys UFC Rights
- Google Scholar: UFC Media Rights Deal
- TV Technology: Paramount Inks UFC Rights Deal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UFC Broadcasting
- Sherdog: Dana White on UFC Events
- Google News: UFC Streaming Rights
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
