Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, and TKO Group Holdings, Inc. have announced a historic seven-year media rights agreement, making Paramount the exclusive home of all UFC events in the U.S. The deal, starting in 2026, involves Paramount exclusively distributing UFC's full slate of 13 marquee numbered events and 30 fight nights via its direct-to-consumer streaming platform, Paramount+, with select numbered events to be simulcast on CBS. As part of the agreement, UFC and Paramount will move away from the existing pay-per-view model, making these premium events available at no additional cost to Paramount+ subscribers.
The agreement has an average annual value of $1.1 billion and the payment schedule is weighted more toward the back end of the deal.
This move is expected to unlock greater accessibility and discoverability for sports fans and provide an important catalyst for driving engagement and further subscriber growth for Paramount+. The deal has been described as a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset.
UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, hosts approximately 43 live events annually, delivering over 350 hours of live event content. In the U.S., UFC has approximately 100 million highly engaged fans across linear, digital, and social platforms. The organization reaches nearly 950 million broadcast and digital households across more than 210 countries and territories in 50 languages, with a roster of approximately 600 of the world’s best male and female MMA athletes representing 75 countries.
This agreement is seen as a major win for Paramount, with its expansive reach of linear and streaming platforms, and a significant opportunity for TKO, unlocking powerful opportunities for years to come.
The deal is part of Paramount's broader strategy to drive engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty, with live sports continuing to be a cornerstone of their approach. This partnership with UFC is expected to deliver premium content to millions of fans in the U.S. and potentially beyond. Following these announcements, the company's shares moved 1.59%, and are now trading at a price of $163.29. If you want to know more, read the company's complete 8-K report here.
