{"id":16122,"date":"2025-08-20T07:52:17","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T13:52:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/footwearmagazine.com\/?p=16122"},"modified":"2025-08-20T07:52:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T13:52:17","slug":"ufc-paramount-1-1b-streaming-deal-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footwearmagazine.com\/?p=16122","title":{"rendered":"UFC Signs Seven-Year $1.1B Streaming Deal With Paramount+ Starting 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Starting in 2026 UFC<\/a>\u2019s live events will stream exclusively on Paramount+<\/a> giving fans unprecedented access and shifting away from the traditional Pay-Per-View model.<\/p>\n

LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, August 11, 2025 \u2013 Paramount<\/a>, part of Skydance Corporation (PSKY)<\/a>, and TKO Group Holdings (TKO)<\/a>, have reached a historic seven-year agreement that makes Paramount+<\/a> the exclusive U.S. home of all UFC<\/a> events starting in 2026.<\/p>\n

A New Home for Live UFC Action<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The seven-year deal, valued at an average annual $1.1 billion, marks a major evolution for both the UFC<\/a> and its U.S. streaming audience. Under this agreement, Paramount+<\/a> will carry all 13 flagship UFC<\/a> numbered events and 30 Fight Nights each year\u2014roughly 43 events in total. Select top-tier events will also be simulcast on CBS<\/a>, ensuring broader broadcast access for key matchups.<\/p>\n

Crucially, Paramount+<\/a> subscribers will get access to every UFC event at no extra charge, shifting away from the longstanding Pay-Per-View (PPV) model that has defined UFC\u2019s premium content in the U.S. This strategic pivot is designed to expand UFC\u2019s reach, boost subscriber growth for Paramount+, and increase event discoverability for new and existing fans.<\/p>\n

Voices on the Deal<\/strong><\/h3>\n

David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount<\/strong> said<\/a>, \u201cI couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Dana<\/a>, Ari<\/a>, and Mark<\/a>. Rarely do opportunities arise to partner on an exclusive basis with a global sports powerhouse like UFC \u2013 an organization with extraordinary global recognition, scale, and cultural impact. Paramount<\/a>‘s advantage lies in the expansive reach of our linear and streaming platforms. Live sports continue to be a cornerstone of our broader strategy \u2014 driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty, and the addition of UFC<\/a>‘s year-round must-watch events to our platforms is a major win. We look forward to delivering this premium content to millions of fans in the U.S., and potentially beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ariel Emanuel, Executive Chair and CEO, TKO<\/strong> said<\/a>, \u201cThis is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC<\/a>, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset. Our decade-long journey with UFC<\/a> has been defined by continuous growth and expansion, and this agreement is an important realization of our strategy. We believe wholeheartedly in David’s vision and look forward to being in business with a company that will prioritize technology as a means to enhance storytelling and the overall viewing experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark Shapiro, President and COO, TKO<\/strong> said<\/a>, \u201cParamount<\/a> is a platinum partner with significant reach. Our new agreement unlocks powerful opportunities at TKO<\/a> for years to come \u2013 meaningful economics for investors; expanded premium inventory for global brand partners; and deeper engagement for UFC<\/a>‘s passionate fanbase. Just as importantly, our athletes will love this new stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

What Fans Can Expect<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This long-term partnership is set to transform how millions of U.S. fight fans experience UFC<\/a>. The agreement ensures that the full calendar of major fights\u2014including all 13 numbered pay-per-view events and 30 Fight Nights annually\u2014will be instantly accessible to all Paramount+<\/a> subscribers. High-profile events will also be simulcast on CBS<\/a> for maximum reach. UFC\u2019s new distribution model is expected to:<\/p>\n