Inside UFC’s Historic $7.7B Paramount Deal…and What Fans Get Now
The UFC has just signed a groundbreaking $7.7 billion, seven-year exclusive media rights deal with Paramount+, marking one of the biggest shifts in combat sports history. Starting in 2026, all 43 UFC events annually — including 350 hours of original content — will stream exclusively on Paramount+. This deal ends the era of pay-per-view (PPV), meaning fans will no longer need to shell out $80+ for each big fight.
TL;DR: What the UFC-Paramount $7.7B Deal Means for You
- UFC agreed to a 7-year, $7.7 billion exclusive deal with Paramount+.
- All 43 annual UFC events will stream on Paramount+; no more PPV fees.
- Fans pay only for a Paramount+ subscription (starting at $7.99/month).
- UFC doubles its annual media revenue to $1.1 billion, securing guaranteed income.
- Paramount bets on steady streaming subscribers and advertising revenue to offset costs.
- Fighter pay structures and event quality may shift without PPV incentives.
- CBS will likely simulcast a handful of big events.
- International rights remain separate but could be added later.
Why UFC Said Yes to Paramount’s $7.7B Deal
The simple answer? Money. UFC’s broadcast revenue nearly doubles from around $500 million to $1.1 billion per year. More importantly, this guaranteed annual income removes the risk and volatility tied to fluctuating PPV buys. Fighters and fans might notice changes, but for UFC leadership, this is a massive financial win.
What This Deal Means for UFC Fans
- No Pay-Per-View: Instead of paying $80+ for each fight, all events will be included in a Paramount+ subscription.
- More Accessible: The cheapest Paramount+ plan with ads costs $7.99 per month — a huge discount for hardcore UFC fans.
- Cleaner Experience: With fewer piracy issues expected and a better streaming interface, fans should enjoy smoother access.
- Some Fights on CBS: While details are still being worked out, select major UFC events will air on CBS, expanding reach beyond streaming.
How Paramount Plans to Win Big With UFC
Though paying twice what ESPN did, Paramount views UFC as a year-round, subscriber-attracting content powerhouse. Unlike seasonal sports, UFC’s 43 events maintain steady engagement. Paramount expects to add millions of subscribers and leverage advertising revenue to offset costs, especially post-merger with Skydance. This deal is a strategic bet on the future of live sports streaming.
How Will This Affect UFC Fighter Pay?
Historically, UFC stars earned extra from PPV buys through “PPV points.” Without PPV, those incentives will likely shift toward streaming performance metrics, but details are unclear. This deal comes shortly after a $375 million lawsuit settlement with fighters, so changes in pay structures are expected, but remain a developing story.
What’s Next for UFC Events and Quality?
Without PPV pressure, the UFC might adjust how it builds fight cards. With guaranteed income, there’s less immediate incentive to make every event a blockbuster, though the brand’s long-term growth depends on quality. UFC is also expanding its Las Vegas Apex arena, suggesting a push toward more live event experiences.
Paramount’s International Ambitions and Political Ties
The Paramount deal covers only U.S. rights; UFC’s global media rights remain separate but may be negotiated by Paramount as they expire. Interestingly, political ties may have influenced the deal; Paramount agreed to a $16 million settlement related to its merger, with additional promises of $20 million in ad time to conservative causes, linked to discussions involving President Trump and UFC leadership.
This $7.7 billion deal marks a massive shift in how millions of fans will experience the UFC, cheaper, more accessible, and fully streaming-based. While it secures financial certainty for the promotion, it also ushers in new questions about fighter pay and event quality. For viewers, the days of costly PPVs are over, replaced by a simpler subscription model.
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