United States : In a monumental announcement that is set to reshape the landscape of mixed martial arts broadcasting, Dana White, President of the UFC, has revealed that the Ultimate Fighting Championship has secured an unprecedented seven-year media rights deal valued at $7.7 billion with Paramount Global and CBS, beginning in 2026. This landmark contract ushers in a new era as all UFC events, including 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights annually, will be exclusively available on Paramount+ with select major fights simulcast on CBS.
Notably, this deal marks the end of UFC’s traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model, offering fans unrestricted access to fights through a Paramount+ subscription at no extra cost. This strategic pivot aims to expand the sport’s accessibility and reach, providing fans an easier and more affordable way to watch live UFC action while significantly growing the subscriber base for Paramount+. Dana White emphasized that this agreement positions UFC among the world’s largest sports, highlighting the vast exposure and benefits it offers to athletes and fans alike.
While the UFC-Paremount deal promises thrilling combats streamed on the new platform, it also symbolizes a shift toward digital-first sports consumption in the United States. Paramount’s CEO, David Ellison, expressed excitement over the partnership, underscoring the value of live sports content in boosting engagement and customer loyalty. With ESPN’s UFC contract ending in 2025, this deal sets a future where mixed martial arts fans can enjoy comprehensive coverage without the paywall, all beginning in 2026.
This pact not only transforms the broadcast model for UFC but signals a broader trend of streaming platforms becoming the exclusive homes for major sports, promising millions of fans easier access to the fast-growing sport in the years to come. Fans across the U.S. can look forward to this new chapter starting in 2026, watching their favorite UFC events straight from Paramount+ and CBS.
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