Paramount has secured the U.S. broadcast rights to UFC for seven years starting in 2026, paying an average of $1.1 billion annually (total $7.7 billion). The deal covers all 13 premium “numbered” events and 30 “Fight Nights” each year, with all matches streaming on Paramount+ and select events simulcast on CBS — ending UFC’s pay-per-view model in the U.S. ESPN’s current $500 million-a-year deal expires in 2025.
The agreement was finalized just days after Paramount’s merger with Skydance, with new CEO David Ellison pushing for the full UFC package due to the scarcity of major sports rights. UFC produces 43 live events annually, totaling 350 hours of programming, making it valuable for year-round subscriber retention. Paramount is also eyeing UFC’s international rights as they come up for renewal, with exclusive 30-day negotiating windows for each market.