Paramount Skydance Corporation Secures Exclusive UFC Streaming Rights in $7.7 Billion Deal

In a landmark move that underscores the evolving landscape of sports media rights, Paramount Global, now operating as Paramount Skydance Corporation following its recent merger with Skydance Media, has secured a seven-year, $7.7 billion agreement to become the exclusive U.S. broadcaster for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Announced on August 11, 2025, this deal marks a significant shift from the traditional pay-per-view model to a subscription-based approach, with all UFC events set to stream on Paramount+ starting in 2026.

Under the terms of the agreement, Paramount+ will stream all 43 annual UFC events, comprising 13 major numbered events and 30 Fight Nights. Select marquee fights will also be simulcast on CBS, Paramount's leading broadcast network. This strategic move aims to make UFC content more accessible to a broader audience by eliminating the additional costs associated with pay-per-view events.

David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Skydance Corporation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "I couldn't be more excited to join forces with Dana, Ari, and Mark."
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This agreement is the first major strategic initiative under Ellison's leadership following the $8.4 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, completed on August 7, 2025. The merger combined Paramount's extensive creative library and global distribution network with Skydance's production expertise and technological capabilities, positioning the new entity to modernize content creation and delivery.
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The shift from pay-per-view to a subscription-based model reflects a broader industry trend where media companies are investing heavily in live sports to drive subscriber growth amid increasing cord-cutting. By offering UFC events as part of the Paramount+ subscription, the company aims to enhance its streaming platform's appeal and provide fans with unprecedented access to UFC content.

UFC, owned by TKO Group Holdings, boasts a significant global reach with approximately 43 live events annually, engaging around 100 million fans in the U.S. and nearly 950 million households worldwide.
Source The partnership with Paramount is expected to further expand UFC's audience and solidify its position as a leading sports organization.

Dana White, UFC President, highlighted the significance of the deal, noting plans for a special event to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. "It's absolutely going to happen. Think about that, the 250th birthday of the United States of America, the UFC will be on the White House south lawn live on CBS," White stated.
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The partnership also includes plans to explore UFC rights outside the U.S. as they become available, indicating a potential for further international collaboration between Paramount and UFC.
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This deal signifies a pivotal moment in the sports media industry, illustrating the growing importance of live sports content in the competitive streaming landscape. By integrating UFC events into its subscription service, Paramount Skydance Corporation is positioning itself to attract a dedicated fan base and drive subscriber growth, while offering UFC a platform to reach a wider audience.