UFC And Paramout Reach Huge TV Rights Deal, PPV Model Now Dead
The UFC have struck a media rights deal with Paramount.
The UFC have struck a media rights deal with Paramount.
Over the past few months, much has been made about where the UFC’s media rights would land following the expiration of the companies deal with ESPN. Now, we know the answer.
On August 11th, TKO and Paramount would announce that beginning in 2026, UFC numbered events (PPVs) and Fight Night events will begin airing on Paramount +, with several marquee fights airing on CBS in simulcasts. The deal is set for 7 years, and is said to be worth 7.7 billion dollars. Paramount will not charge any extra fees for the PPV broadcasts, seemingly eliminating the UFC’s PPV model they have used since it’s inception.
PARAMOUNT AND TKO ANNOUNCE HISTORIC UFC MEDIA RIGHTS AGREEMENTš„All UFC numbered events and Fight Nights will stream live on Paramount+, with select marquee fights simulcast on CBS, beginning in 2026. pic.twitter.com/54z8DWlCk1
— TKO (@TKOGrp) August 11, 2025
UFC President Dana White had the following to say about the new deal.
“This historic deal with Paramount and CBS is incredible for UFC fans and our athletes. For the first time ever, fans in the US will have access to all UFC content without a Pay-Per-View model, making it more affordable and accessible to view the greatest fights on a massive platform. This deal puts UFC amongst the biggest sports in the world. The exposure provided by the Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a huge win for our athletes and anyone who watches and loves this sport.”
In other recent TKO media rights news, WWE would strike a deal to air their Premium Live Events on ESPN’s streaming service. You can read more about that here.
