- Paramount signs an exclusive seven-year, $7.7 billion deal for UFC’s U.S. broadcast rights.
- All UFC events will stream on Paramount+ and air on CBS without pay-per-view costs.
- Marks Paramount’s first major move following its merger with Skydance.
Paramount has taken a decisive step into live sports dominance, finalizing a $7.7 billion, seven-year agreement with TKO Group Holdings for exclusive U.S. broadcast rights to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The deal represents the first major strategic action by Paramount since its merger with Skydance, signaling a pivot toward premium, exclusive content to drive streaming growth.
Paramount Knocks Out UFC Pay-Per-View in Record $7.7 Billion Agreement
The agreement positions Paramount as a major contender in the battle for live sports streaming supremacy. With UFC’s massive global following and consistent event schedule, the deal offers Paramount a steady stream of marquee programming to bolster both its subscriber base and advertising revenues. It also strengthens CBS’s live sports portfolio, complementing its NFL and college football coverage.
For UFC, the partnership provides an unparalleled level of exposure in the U.S. market. Moving away from the pay-per-view model not only reduces the cost barrier for fans but also allows the organization to reach casual viewers who might have previously avoided high-priced events. This increased visibility could help build new fan segments and deepen loyalty among existing supporters.
From a business standpoint, the $7.7 billion commitment is a calculated risk for Paramount. While live sports remain one of the last strongholds for traditional broadcast networks, the success of this deal will depend on whether UFC’s audience translates into sustained streaming growth. The integration of sports into a broader entertainment portfolio could also help differentiate Paramount+ in a crowded streaming marketplace.
Industry analysts view the move as a sign of escalating competition between streaming giants for exclusive sports rights. With companies like Amazon, Apple, and Disney investing heavily in live sports, Paramount’s UFC acquisition marks a statement of intent—one that could prompt similar all-inclusive deals across other sports in the near future.
By tearing down the pay-per-view wall, Paramount and UFC are rewriting the rules of combat sports broadcasting, potentially setting a new industry standard for accessibility and reach.
“The future of sports is about reach, not restriction.” — a sentiment reflected in Paramount’s decision to bring UFC to the widest possible audience.
