UFC fans are about to cry happy bloody tears as Paramount and TKO Group Holdings have just inked a groundbreaking seven-year media rights deal that’s set to shake up how we watch mixed martial arts. Starting in 2026, this powerhouse agreement clocks in with an average annual value of a whopping $1.1 billion, ditching the old pay-per-view grind and making top-tier fights accessible right in your Paramount+ subscription. We’re talking 43 live events a year, over 350 hours of heart-pounding action, all streaming exclusively on Paramount+ with some big ones hitting CBS too. It’s a total game changer for the sport’s reach and fan experience.This deal isn’t just big, it’s historic, locking in UFC as a global juggernaut with events reaching nearly a billion households worldwide. And with payments ramping up over time, it’s clear both sides are betting big on UFC’s unstoppable growth.
What Makes This UFC Deal a Total Knockout
- Epic Event Lineup: Get ready for all 13 marquee UFC numbered events plus 30 Fight Nights each year. That’s non-stop action from the Octagon, covering everything from title defenses to rising star showdowns—no more shelling out extra for the big fights.
- Streaming and Broadcast Magic: Everything lands exclusively on Paramount+, with select events simulcast on CBS for that classic TV vibe. It’s all about making UFC easier to catch, whether you’re on your phone, TV, or laptop, and Paramount’s eyeing international expansions down the line.
- The Dollars and Timeline: Kicking off in 2026 and running through 2032, this seven-year pact boasts an AAV of $1.1 billion, with the cash flow weighted toward the later years. It’s a smart move that screams confidence in UFC’s future dominance.
- Execs Are Hyped: David Ellison from Paramount called it a “major win” for their platforms, emphasizing how UFC’s global pull will supercharge subscriber growth and loyalty. TKO’s Ariel Emanuel hailed it as a “milestone moment,” while Mark Shapiro noted the “powerful opportunities” for fans, athletes, and brands alike. Not to Mention Dana calling this deal even a “huge win.”
Final Thoughts
The people are happy that they finally get a massive shift in how they can openly watch UFC from a easier streamlined source, instead of the infamous pay-per-vew model. This will only make ParamountPlus sales as well as overall UFC’s fanbase grow bigger and bigger, so this really does make it a “win” for all.
