UFC Secures Monumental Billion-Dollar Television Agreement
In a groundbreaking move, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has agreed to a new 7-year, $7.7 billion exclusive media rights deal with Paramount and its parent company Skydance, which includes CBS and Paramount+ streaming. Starting in 2026, UFC events will become more accessible and affordable for fans as they move towards a subscription-based streaming service on Paramount+, with select big events also simulcast on CBS TV.
This deal marks a significant departure from the pay-per-view (PPV) model that has been traditionally used for UFC events. The shift aims to broaden the UFC's reach and accessibility, benefiting both fans and athletes through wider exposure. Fans may find events more affordable via a subscription rather than paying per individual fight card.
The deal, worth an average of $1.1 billion per year, is a significant increase from the previous ESPN/Disney deal and reflects the growing popularity and value of the UFC. The new deal will cover 13 major events and 30 "Fight Nights" annually, ensuring UFC fans have plenty of action to look forward to.
UFC's president Dana White praised the TV and streaming package as a historic step, describing it as a "unicorn" that comes along every ten years. Paramount CEO David Ellison echoed this sentiment, stating that the acquisition of UFC rights is a big win for athletes and fans alike.
In Germany, DAZN holds the rights until the end of 2027. Meanwhile, the rights to Oktagon MMA events, individual fights, and highlights are held by RTL.
The new deal effectively ends the traditional PPV distribution in the U.S., moving UFC towards a subscription and broadcast model. Paramount will not charge users additional fees for virtual access to events, marking the end of the pay-per-view model for UFC.
With this new deal, UFC takes its place among the world's biggest sports, ready to entertain fans with even more exciting action in the coming years.
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