All UFC events will stream live exclusively through Paramount Plus for the next seven years, beginning in January 2026, according to an Aug. 11 announcement from Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, and TKO Group Holdings Inc., a premium sports and entertainment company.
The deal represents the first major post-Skydance merger action, as the global media and entertainment giant agreed to a total purchase of $7.7 billion for UFC rights through 2032.
Starting January 2026, Paramount will distribute UFC’s 13 marquee numbered events, as well as 30 Fight Nights, to its Paramount Plus direct-to-consumer streaming platform. Select events will also be simulcast on CBS, its leading broadcast network.
Under the terms of the agreement, both UFC and Paramount will abandon UFC’s existing pay-per-view model to make the premium events available for no additional cost to Paramount Plus consumers. The new strategy is designed to enhance the subscriber base for Paramount Plus. Paramount also plans to consider UFC rights abroad as they may become available in the future.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Dana, Ari, and Mark. Rarely do opportunities arise to partner on an exclusive basis with a global sports powerhouse like UFC—an organization with extraordinary global recognition, scale, and cultural impact,” David Ellison, chairman and CEO of Paramount, said in a statement.
“Live sports continue to be a cornerstone of our broader strategy—driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty, and the addition of UFC’s year-round must-watch events to our platforms is a major win.”
Ariel Emanuel, executive chair and CEO of TKO, called the agreement a “milestone and landmark deal” for UFC.
“Our decade-long journey with UFC has been defined by continuous growth and expansion, and this agreement is an important realization of our strategy,” he said in a statement.
Mark Shapiro, president and COO of TKO, added that “Paramount is a platinum partner with significant reach.”
“Our new agreement unlocks powerful opportunities at TKO for years to come—meaningful economics for investors; expanded premium inventory for global brand partners; and deeper engagement for UFC’s passionate fanbase,” he said.
UFC has gained a reputation as the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization. UFC events take place year-round, with about 43 events annually. UFC currently reports close to 100 million fans globally, with programming reaching 210 countries and almost 950 million households.
In addition to Paramount Plus, Paramount’s brands include CBS television, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, and Pluto TV.
TKO also owns World Wrestling Entertainment and Professional Bull Riders. According to TKO, events in both groups reach nearly 1 billion households across 210 countries, with more than 500 live events annually.
