Paramount to Host All UFC Events in the U.S. Under New 7-Year Agreement

NEW YORK -- Paramount will take over the broadcasting of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events in the United States beginning next year, following a seven-year agreement announced with TKO Group. This announcement comes shortly after the completion of the $8 billion merger between Skydance and Paramount, establishing a new powerhouse in the entertainment sector.

Under this agreement, Paramount will have the exclusive rights to air the entirety of UFC's schedule, which includes 13 major numbered events and 30 "Fight Nights." These events will be available on the Paramount+ streaming platform, with select numbered events also broadcast on CBS, starting in 2026.

This new arrangement marks a significant shift from the UFC's previous pay-per-view approach. Both Paramount and TKO Group believe this change will enhance access to mixed martial arts programming for fans across the country.

David Ellison, chairman and CEO of Paramount, highlighted the advantages of their extensive linear and streaming reach, emphasizing that live sports are crucial to their growth strategy. The addition of UFC's events is poised to increase engagement and subscriber loyalty on their platforms.

Mark Shapiro, president and COO of TKO, noted that the partnership promises to deepen the connection with UFC's dedicated fan base, while also providing a prominent platform for its athletes.

Currently, UFC events are broadcast on ESPN, which has utilized a tiered pricing model via its TV and streaming service, ESPN+, since 2019. The existing partnership between UFC and ESPN is set to conclude at the end of 2025.

The new deal between Paramount and TKO is valued at an average of $1.1 billion annually, a substantial increase from the approximately $550 million that ESPN reportedly pays each year for UFC content. The transition to Paramount will streamline the viewing experience for fans, consolidating all UFC programming onto the Paramount+ platform, which offers subscription rates ranging from $7.99 to $12.99 per month, thus eliminating the need for multiple pay-per-view fees.

Paramount also expressed intentions to explore the possibility of acquiring UFC broadcasting rights internationally as opportunities arise.

While the Paramount and Skydance merger is now finalized, it faced significant scrutiny and challenges prior to approval. The deal was complicated by various regulatory hurdles, particularly during a politically charged environment involving the Trump administration. This led to a $16 million settlement with the former president, which was necessary for the merger's clearance.

Former President Trump, a known supporter of UFC CEO Dana White, has even floated the idea of hosting a UFC event on the White House grounds to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

White has indicated that the Paramount agreement will make UFC events more accessible and affordable for American viewers. He stated that this partnership elevates UFC to the status of major sports worldwide, enhancing visibility for both athletes and fans alike.

In addition to UFC, TKO also oversees WWE, which has been actively negotiating broadcasting arrangements. Recently, Disney announced a deal with WWE to stream its premium live events, such as WrestleMania, on ESPN, further expanding its sports entertainment offerings.

The financial specifics of the WWE agreement remain undisclosed, but reports suggest it is a five-year deal worth over $1.6 billion.

As the landscape of sports broadcasting continues to evolve, the partnership between Paramount and TKO is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of live sports entertainment in the United States.