The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has sealed a landmark seven-year, $7.7 billion agreement with Paramount Global and CBS, marking one of the most significant broadcasting deals in combat sports history. Set to commence in January 2026, this partnership will see UFC events transition from ESPN’s pay-per-view model to a subscription-based system on Paramount+, with select major fight cards airing on CBS.
UFC CEO Dana White announced the historic shift on social media, emphasizing that this move will eliminate pay-per-view fees for fans, making premium MMA content more accessible than ever before. The deal represents a massive expansion in UFC’s media strategy, aligning with Paramount’s push to grow its live sports offerings and subscriber base.
The End of UFC’s Pay-Per-View Era
For years, UFC fans have had to pay separate fees on top of their ESPN+ subscriptions to watch major numbered events. While this model will remain in place until 2025, the 2026 transition means that all UFC fights including 13 annual numbered pay-per-view events and 30 Fight Night cards will be included in a Paramount+ subscription at no extra cost.
This shift is expected to lower financial barriers for fans, allowing more viewers to engage with UFC content without the burden of additional pay-per-view charges. Additionally, CBS will broadcast select high-profile events, bringing UFC fights to network television for the first time in years, significantly boosting the sport’s mainstream visibility.
Why UFC Chose Paramount+ Over ESPN
The move comes after years of UFC’s partnership with ESPN, which began in 2019 under a $1.5 billion deal. However, industry experts suggest that Paramount’s aggressive live sports strategy and willingness to eliminate pay-per-view barriers made the deal more appealing.
Key factors in UFC’s decision includes
- Greater accessibility for fans (no more PPV fees).
- Expanded reach through CBS network broadcasts.
- Paramount’s global ambitions, with plans to acquire UFC rights internationally.
- Higher revenue potential compared to ESPN’s model.
Dana White emphasized the benefits in his announcement, stating:
“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.”
What This Means for UFC Fans
Starting in 2026, UFC fans will experience a dramatic shift in how they watch fights:
1. No More Pay-Per-View Fees
- All UFC events will be available on Paramount+ with a subscription.
- Fight Nights, numbered events, and even championship bouts will be included without extra charges.
2. Major Fights on CBS
- Select numbered events (potentially including title fights and supercards) will air on CBS, reaching millions of cable and antenna viewers.
- This marks UFC’s return to network TV since the Fox deal ended in 2018.
3. More Content, More Access
- Paramount+ will likely offer exclusive behind-the-scenes content, documentaries, and fighter profiles.
- The platform may introduce enhanced viewing features, such as multiple camera angles and fighter stats.
4. International Expansion
- Paramount has expressed interest in securing UFC rights globally, potentially making fights more accessible in markets where UFC has struggled with distribution.
Paramount’s Big Bet on Live Sports
This deal is a major win for Paramount Global, which has been aggressively pursuing live sports rights to compete with rivals like Disney (ESPN), Warner Bros. Discovery (TNT Sports), and Amazon (Prime Video).
Paramount’s Recent Moves in Sports
- NFL rights (AFC games on CBS).
- Champions League and NWSL soccer.
- March Madness coverage.
- Recent $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, strengthening its financial position.
By adding UFC to its portfolio, Paramount+ aims to attract millions of MMA fans, driving subscription growth and ad revenue.
David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Global, stated:
“UFC is one of the most valuable sports properties in the world, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our strategy to deliver must-see live events to our audience.”
How This Affects ESPN and the Sports Media Landscape
The UFC’s departure from ESPN marks the end of a five-year partnership that saw MMA reach unprecedented heights in the U.S. However, ESPN’s parent company, Disney, has been cutting costs in sports media, recently losing NHL and MLB rights to competitors.
What’s Next for ESPN?
- Focus on NBA rights renewal (current deal expires in 2025).
- Potential expansion into other combat sports (Boxing, ONE Championship, PFL).
- Increased investment in original sports documentaries and studio shows.
While ESPN remains a dominant player in sports media, losing UFC is a significant blow, especially as streaming competitors like Netflix (NFL deals) and Amazon (Thursday Night Football) continue to invest in live sports.
Fighter Pay and Revenue Implications
One of the biggest questions surrounding this deal is: Will UFC fighters see a pay increase?
Under the ESPN agreement, UFC revenue skyrocketed, but fighter pay remained a contentious issue. With $7.7 billion coming in over seven years, fighters and their representatives are pushing for a larger share.
Potential Changes for Athletes
- Higher disclosed purses for main event fighters.
- Increased sponsorship opportunities with CBS and Paramount+ integrations.
- More mainstream exposure, leading to bigger endorsement deals.
The UFC Athletes Association has yet to comment, but pressure will likely mount for Dana White and Endeavor (UFC’s parent company) to distribute more revenue to fighters.
Fan Reactions and Industry Response
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from fans and analysts:
Positive Reactions
- “Finally, no more $80 PPVs!” – Fans celebrate the end of pay-per-view fees.
- “CBS broadcasts will bring in casual fans.” – Analysts believe this will grow UFC’s audience.
- “Paramount+ is becoming a must-have for sports fans.” – Streaming experts note the platform’s growing sports library.
Concerns
- “Will Paramount+ handle the streaming load?” – Some worry about potential technical issues during big events.
- “What happens to Fight Pass?” – UFC’s standalone streaming service may be phased out or rebranded.
- “Will fighters actually get paid more?” – Skepticism remains about revenue distribution.
The Future of UFC Media Rights
This deal cements UFC’s position as one of the most valuable sports leagues globally. With MMA’s popularity surging, future media rights negotiations could see even bigger numbers.
Possible Future Developments
- More international broadcasts (Paramount could expand UFC’s reach in Europe and Asia).
- Interactive features (Betting integrations, real-time stats).
- Cross-promotion with other Paramount properties (Showtime Boxing, Bellator MMA).
Conclusion
The UFC’s $7.7 billion move to Paramount+ and CBS is a monumental shift in combat sports broadcasting. By eliminating pay-per-view fees and expanding to network TV, the UFC is positioning itself for massive growth in the streaming era.
For fans, this means more access at a lower cost. For fighters, it could mean bigger paydays and exposure. And for Paramount, it’s a major step toward becoming a top-tier sports streaming platform.
As 2026 approaches, the sports world will be watching closely to see how this groundbreaking deal reshapes the future of MMA and live sports entertainment.
