The Octagon is getting a new home. In a blockbuster seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal, Paramount+ and CBS will become the exclusive U.S. broadcasters of UFC events starting in January 2026. For fight fans, that means a major shake-up: no more pay-per-view barriers for UFC’s biggest nights.
The Deal That Changes Everything
According to multiple reports (WSJ, The Verge), Skydance-owned Paramount will pay roughly $1.1 billion annually for the rights — about double UFC’s previous deal with ESPN.
- 13 major UFC fight cards and 30 Fight Nights per year will stream exclusively on Paramount+.
- Select marquee events will air on CBS, expanding UFC’s reach beyond cable and streaming subscribers.
- The traditional UFC pay-per-view model is being retired for domestic fans.
Why UFC and Paramount+ Made the Move
This is more than just a sports contract — it’s a strategic pivot. With competition from ESPN, Peacock, and Prime Video, Paramount+ is betting that live sports will drive subscriptions and keep churn low. UFC brings a younger, highly engaged audience and year-round event programming.
Analysts also note that Paramount stock (ticker: PSKY) jumped nearly 3% after the deal was announced (Barron’s), signaling investor confidence in the move.
Impact for UFC Fans
- No more $79.99 PPV fees — everything is included in the Paramount+ subscription.
- CBS broadcasts will put UFC in front of millions of casual viewers who’ve never paid for a fight card.
- Dana White, UFC’s president, called the deal “the biggest leap forward for the sport since our ESPN agreement.”
What Happens to ESPN?
ESPN loses UFC but gains WWE — part of TKO Group’s strategy to diversify its combat sports distribution. UFC’s exit frees ESPN to focus on boxing, football, and WWE content.
UFC Paramount+ — Quick FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When does the deal start? | January 2026 |
| How much is it worth? | $7.7 billion over 7 years |
| Where can I watch UFC events? | Paramount+ (streaming) and CBS (select broadcasts) |
| Will fights still be pay-per-view? | Not in the U.S. — the PPV model ends here |
Bottom Line
This isn’t just another sports rights swap — it’s a paradigm shift. The UFC–Paramount+ deal dismantles the long-standing pay-per-view wall and puts one of the world’s most popular sports into millions of homes at no extra cost. For Paramount, it’s a bold play to compete with streaming giants. For fans, it’s the best fight you’ll never have to pay extra to see.
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