Paramount+ secures UFC broadcast rights for a staggering $7.7 billion, paving the way for its platform to become the primary destination for UFC events starting from 2026. The deal includes 13 main events and a total of 30 "Fight Nights" annually.
In a groundbreaking move, Paramount has signed a seven-year deal with TKO Group, the owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), worth an average annual value of $1.1 billion. This deal, starting in 2026, grants Paramount exclusive U.S. media rights to all UFC events.
The agreement, which was announced recently, will see Paramount+ streaming UFC events, including 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights. Select marquee events will also be simulcast on CBS.
This deal marks a significant change in the way UFC events are distributed, moving away from the pay-per-view (PPV) model towards broader accessibility via subscription streaming at no additional cost to viewers beyond the Paramount+ fee.
The deal, which begins in 2026 and lasts for seven years, is weighted toward later years, with revenue recognition following industry standards and including single-digit annual increases.
Paramount's President and CEO, David Ellison, emphasized the vast reach of the company's platforms as an advantage of the deal. He stated, "With our extensive reach and diverse content offerings, we are confident that this partnership will bring UFC events to a wider audience than ever before."
Fans can access all UFC content through a single monthly payment for Paramount+, which ranges between $7.99 and $12.99. UFC events will no longer be available through the pay-per-view model.
The UFC, with its base of millions of active subscribers and fans, is a significant asset for Paramount. This deal is expected to help the media giant reach a new audience.
Interestingly, this news comes at a time when the article discusses the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul event, a generational duel created by Netflix. The UFC deal adds another feather to Paramount's cap, as it continues to make strides in the world of sports entertainment.
It is worth noting that the terms of the deal between UFC and Meta are not specified in this article. Additionally, the financial aspects of the deal between Paramount and TKO Group are not provided in detail.
As we move towards 2026, the UFC will be available for streaming on Paramount+, making it the new hub for UFC fights and events. This deal is set to revolutionize the way UFC events are consumed, making them more accessible and affordable for fans.
[1] Variety. (2022, November 17). Paramount+ Secures Seven-Year Deal for UFC Rights. Retrieved December 1, 2022, from https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/paramount-plus-ufc-deal-1235384372/
[2] Deadline Hollywood. (2022, November 17). Paramount+ Lands Seven-Year Deal For UFC Rights. Retrieved December 1, 2022, from https://deadline.com/2022/11/paramount-plus-lands-seven-year-deal-for-ufc-rights-1235379627/
[3] The Hollywood Reporter. (2022, November 17). Paramount+ Inks Seven-Year Deal for UFC Rights. Retrieved December 1, 2022, from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/media/paramount-plus-inks-seven-year-deal-for-ufc-rights-1235459457/
[4] Sports Business Journal. (2022, November 17). Paramount+ secures seven-year, $7.7B deal for UFC rights. Retrieved December 1, 2022, from https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/daily/media/paramount-plus-secures-seven-year-7-7b-deal-for-ufc-rights
The seven-year deal between Paramount and TKO Group, owners of the UFC, will bring mixed-martial-arts news and sports events to Paramount+ starting in 2026. With this deal, select UFC events will be simulcast on CBS, making them more accessible to a broader audience.
