New era begins as UFC moves to Paramount and CBS in $7.7 billion subscription deal

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has sealed a landmark seven-year, $7.7 billion agreement with Paramount and CBS, set to commence in 2026. This move, outlined by UFC CEO Dana White on social media, signifies a major shift as the organization will abandon its current pay-per-view model. Instead, all UFC events will be made available to subscribers on Paramount+, expanding the sport's accessibility significantly.

Presently, UFC fans must pay an additional fee aside from their ESPN+ subscription to watch premium fights, a model that will persist until 2025. The forthcoming change means an expanded viewership can enjoy 13 numbered shows and 30 Fight Nights annually without additional costs. Select numbered events will also be available on CBS, enhancing visibility and reach as reported by Yahoo Sports.

This deal not only lowers barriers for fans, making top-tier MMA bouts more accessible, but also boosts exposure for UFC athletes on mainstream networks. "The exposure provided by the Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a huge win for our athletes and anyone who watches and loves this sport," Dana White commented in his announcement on Instagram, as reported by ESPN.

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Moreover, Variety noted that Paramount plans to explore acquiring UFC rights internationally, further amplifying the sport's global reach. Executives from Paramount, including CEO David Ellison, express enthusiasm for this partnership as it fits within their strategy to drive subscriber growth through live sports.

This sweeping agreement follows Paramount's recent $8 billion merger with Skydance, cementing its robust platform to host such prominent sports events. UFC will officially sever ties with Disney-owned ESPN by the end of 2025, ushering in a new era for MMA fans and the broader sports entertainment landscape.