UFC boss Dana White verifies modifications in fighter compensation following the adoption of a new $7.7 billion broadcast agreement
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced a groundbreaking seven-year deal with ViacomCBS, worth an estimated $7.7 billion. This new partnership, set to take effect in 2026, is expected to significantly increase fighter pay due to the organization's much larger media rights revenue.
Key points about how fighter pay will be affected:
- Increased Revenue Pool: The much higher annual revenue from the deal with Paramount and CBS creates a bigger financial base from which fighter salaries and purses can be funded.
- Shift from Pay-Per-View to Streaming and Broadcast: The deal moves UFC away from its traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model to exclusive distribution on Paramount+ streaming with select marquee events simulcast on broadcast TV via CBS. This shift could potentially bring in a broader audience, leading to more lucrative sponsorships and bigger fight purses.
- Dana White’s Comments: UFC President Dana White has indicated that the exposure and revenue from this new deal is a "huge win for our athletes" and fans. Though exact changes to fighter contracts or pay structures have not been detailed publicly, the implication is that increased revenues will benefit fighters financially.
The current performance bonuses have remained at $50,000 since their implementation in 2006, with some exceptions such as UFC 300. However, it has been confirmed that these bonuses will see a healthy boost under the new deal. Some champions in the UFC have never touched seven figures in terms of earnings, but White has reassured his roster that they will receive more money under the new deal.
New signings typically earn between $10,000 and $30,000 a fight, but the details of how the pay structure will change for fighters who previously earned pay-per-view points are not yet clear. There are concerns about the impact of the new format on fighter pay for those who earn pay-per-view points, as the specifics of how these earnings will be distributed have not been disclosed.
The UFC settled an antitrust lawsuit for $375 million in 2024, compensating 1,067 fighters for being underpaid from 2010 to 2017. This settlement, along with the new broadcast deal, suggests a renewed focus on fair compensation for UFC fighters.
In conclusion, the landmark broadcast agreement is poised to boost UFC fighter compensation in line with the organization's expanded media rights income and broader audience reach starting in 2026. The UFC will exclusively distribute all numbered events and Fight Nights from 2026, marking a new era for the organization and its fighters.
[1] MMA Fighting. (2022, August 24). UFC strikes seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with CBS and Paramount+. Retrieved from https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/8/24/23317289/ufc-strikes-seven-year-7-7-billion-deal-with-cbs-and-paramount
[2] ESPN. (2022, August 24). UFC signs seven-year deal with CBS and Paramount+. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/34524330/ufc-signs-seven-year-deal-cbs-paramount
[3] MMA Junkie. (2022, August 24). UFC reaches seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with CBS and Paramount+. Retrieved from https://www.mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/08/ufc-reaches-seven-year-7-7-billion-deal-with-cbs-and-paramount
The seven-year deal between UFC and ViacomCBS, worth an estimated $7.7 billion, is expected to significantly increase fighter pay due to the organization's much larger media rights revenue, making MMA sports a more financially rewarding field for athletes. The UFC's shift from pay-per-view to streaming and broadcast could potentially bring in a broader audience, leading to more lucrative sponsorships and bigger fight purses in this MMA and UFC sports landscape.
