In a move set to shake up the combat sports world, Paramount and TKO Group have struck a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal that will make Paramount+ the exclusive U.S. home for all UFC events starting in 2026.
Under the agreement, Paramount+ will stream 13 numbered UFC events and 30 Fight Nights annually. Select numbered events will also simulcast on CBS, marking a massive shift away from the UFC pay-per-view (PPV) model that has dominated for decades.
“This partnership will bring UFC to more fans than ever before,” said a TKO spokesperson, highlighting the shift toward broader accessibility.
From PPV to Paramount+: A Game-Changer for UFC Fans
Currently, UFC’s biggest cards require fans to pay up to $79.99 via PPV platforms. With this deal, subscribers will be able to watch marquee fights as part of their streaming package, aligning UFC with modern viewing trends and potentially boosting Paramount+ subscriber numbers.
Fans can expect exclusive UFC coverage, backstage content, fighter interviews, and fight-week programming — all under the Paramount+ banner.
Impact on TKO Stock and Sports Media Landscape
The agreement, valued at an average of $1.1 billion per year, is also seen as a major win for TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO). Analysts suggest the steady revenue stream could bolster TKO stock in the coming years, while Paramount, owned by Skydance, strengthens its live sports portfolio to compete with Disney’s ESPN and Amazon’s Prime Video.
This move follows growing competition among streaming platforms for exclusive sports rights, with the UFC–Paramount deal likely to influence future negotiations in MMA and beyond.
Future Beyond U.S. Borders
While the current deal covers only the United States, Paramount has signaled plans to pursue UFC rights in international markets as contracts elsewhere expire.
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- UFC News — Latest fight cards, results, and analysis.
- TKO Stock — Market trends and business updates for TKO Group Holdings.
- UFC PPV — How the PPV model shaped UFC’s rise in combat sports.
- Paramount Plus — New streaming deals and entertainment updates.