UFC, Dana White announce media rights deal with Paramount, CBS

UFC president Dana White announced the company struck a new media deal with Paramount/CBS, in a statement released Monday. The UFC was in the middle of negotiations with networks and just announced that starting in 2026, Paramount will become the exclusive home for UFC events.

Paramount/CBS gives the UFC the ability to go to Paramount Plus, as well as CBS, CBS Sports Network and affiliated networks under the umbrella. Perhaps the biggest news from White is that this gives UFC fans access to all content without a Pay-Per-View model.

“This historic deal with Paramount and CBS is incredible for UFC fans and our athletes,” White said in a statement. “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.”

Sports business reporter Joe Pompliano later revealed the details of the deal. According to the report, it’s over seven years.

“BREAKING: UFC has agreed to a 7-year, $7.7 billion exclusive US media rights deal with Paramount,” Pompliano wrote on Twitter. “All UFC events will stream on Paramount+, with select events also airing on CBS. Paramount+ won’t charge viewers any additional fees, effectively eliminating the PPV model.”

TKO Group, which holds the UFC, released a statement to CNBC regarding the move. He confirmed the new model of the promotion streaming on Paramount-Plus, with select events going on CBS.

“The pay-per-view model is a thing of the past,” Mark Shapiro, TKO Group’s president and chief operating officer said. “What’s on pay-per-view anymore? Boxing? Movies on DirecTV? It’s an outdated, antiquated model. So, it was paramount to us – forgive the pun – where it’s one-stop shopping, especially for our younger fans in flyover states. When they find out, ’Wait, if I just sign up for Paramount+ for $12.99 a month, I’m going to automatically get UFC’s numbered fights and the rest of the portfolio? That’s a message we want to amplify.”