Paramount Scores Ultimate Deal: UFC's New Streaming Home
Paramount, owned by Skydance, is set to become the exclusive U.S. home for UFC events from 2026, under a deal with TKO Group worth $7.7 billion. The deal will have UFC events streamed exclusively on Paramount+, marking a significant shift from pay-per-view to a subscription-based model.
In a major shift in sports broadcasting, Skydance-owned Paramount has secured exclusive U.S. rights to stream the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events. The deal was struck with TKO Group Holdings for seven years, beginning in 2026, and is valued at approximately $7.7 billion.
This agreement will allow Paramount to broadcast all of the UFC's 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights annually on its streaming platform, Paramount+. Select numbered events will also air on CBS, enhancing Paramount's standing in the sports broadcasting arena. CEO David Ellison emphasized the strategic importance of live sports in media, as competitors such as Netflix and Disney also bolster their sports content.
Notably, this partnership introduces a shift from UFC's traditional pay-per-view model to offering these events at no additional cost to subscribers. Paramount's move follows its recent merger with Skydance Media, further consolidating its position in the competitive media landscape. The UFC boasts significant global reach, staging 43 live events annually and engaging nearly a billion households worldwide.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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