Paramount have agreed a seven-year, $7.7 billion (£5.74m) deal with TKO for exclusive rights to all UFC events in the US.
Beginning in 2026, all UFC numbered events and Fight Nights will stream live on Paramount+, with select marquee fights simulcast on CBS.
The deal will see a departure from UFC’s pay-per-view model in favour of a free to view subscription-based format.
David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount said: “I couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Dana, Ari, and Mark. Rarely do opportunities arise to partner on an exclusive basis with a global sports powerhouse like UFC – an organization with extraordinary global recognition, scale, and cultural impact. Paramount’s advantage lies in the expansive reach of our linear and streaming platforms. Live sports continue to be a cornerstone of our broader strategy — driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty, and the addition of UFC’s year-round must-watch events to our platforms is a major win. We look forward to delivering this premium content to millions of fans in the U.S., and potentially beyond.”
The seven-year term has an average annual value of $1.1 billion (£820,000).
Ariel Emmanuel, Executive Chair and CEO, TKO added: “This is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset. Our decade-long journey with UFC has been defined by continuous growth and expansion, and this agreement is an important realization of our strategy. We believe wholeheartedly in David’s vision and look forward to being in business with a company that will prioritize technology as a means to enhance storytelling and the overall viewing experience.”
Paramount will explore UFC rights outside the US should they become available.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO, TKO, commented: “Paramount is a platinum partner with significant reach. Our new agreement unlocks powerful opportunities at TKO for years to come – meaningful economics for investors; expanded premium inventory for global brand partners; and deeper engagement for UFC’s passionate fanbase. Just as importantly, our athletes will love this new stage.”
The UFC has used the PPV model since its inception in 1993.
Dana White, President and CEO, UFC said: “This historic deal with Paramount and CBS is incredible for UFC fans and our athletes. For the first time ever, fans in the US will have access to all UFC content without a pay-per-view model, making it more affordable and accessible to view the greatest fights on a massive platform.”
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