UFC Paramount Deal: $7.7 Billion Ends Pay-Per-View Model

UFC Paramount Deal: In a momentous move that could dramatically alter the landscape of mixed martial arts television, UFC CEO Dana White has negotiated a historic deal with Paramount worth an unprecedented $7.7 billion multi-year agreement, ending the promotion’s ten-year relationship with ESPN by 2026.

UFC Paramount Deal: A Landmark Revolution in UFC Broadcasting

The seven-year retro deal with Paramount not only strengthens the financial capital of the UFC but also marks the conclusion of the conventional Pay-Per-View (PPV) model in the United States. From 2026, all UFC events, from Fight Nights to numbered cards, will be on Paramount+ as part of its subscription package.

“This historic deal between Paramount and CBS is incredible for UFC fans and fighters,” Dana White said. “For the first time, fans in the United States will be able to see all UFC programming without having to buy every pay-per-view, which makes it much more accessible and cheaper to consume the best fights on a massive platform.”

Farewell PPV, Hello Accessibility

Longtime fans have long lamented the increasing cost of PPV events. This $7.7 billion deal shoots that concern straight in the face by adding UFC programming to Paramount subscription at no additional cost.

As a bonus for mainstream visibility, some of the high-profile numbered shows will also be simulcast on CBS, enabling the UFC to broadcast its events to millions of new fans without the financial hurdle of PPV purchases. The decision has been greatly acclaimed on social media, with many referring to it as the “best decision in years” for the sport.

Paramount Scores a Major Win

Securing UFC rights is a massive victory for Paramount, which bested heavyweights like ESPN, Amazon, and Netflix. This deal adds to Paramount+’s sports offerings, with one of the most passionate fan bases in the entire world.

UFC is guaranteed long-term revenue consistency alongside exponentially increasing reach through streaming and broadcast TV. For fighting fans, it’s a revolutionary movement towards accessibility, affordability, and broader coverage.

The Future of UFC on Paramount describes what happens when the agreement takes effect starting from January 2026. Expect a new chapter in MMA content streaming, one where top UFC bouts are no longer reserved behind costly pay-per-view gates but are at the tip of a subscription.

With Paramount putting in $7.7 billion for this transaction, the UFC will become the biggest globally with an unprecedented fan base, and hence, this would be one of the most powerful combat sports media rights deals ever.

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