• Paramount secures exclusive U.S. rights for UFC events under a $7.7 billion deal.
• The seven-year agreement includes 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights starting in 2026.
• The deal marks a shift from the traditional pay-per-view model, allowing access at no extra cost for subscribers.

Paramount has struck a seven-year deal valued at $7.7 billion with TKO Group Holdings for the exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a move highlighted as the first significant strategy under the company's new CEO, David Ellison. This agreement, commencing in 2026, gives Paramount the rights to stream all UFC events through its Paramount+ platform, while selected marquee events will be simulcast on CBS, according to Reuters and The Hill.

The deal entails Paramount paying an average of $1.1 billion annually, which will allow UFC events to be accessible to subscribers without additional fees, transitioning away from the previous pay-per-view system. Ellison stated that adding UFC content is a substantial win, emphasizing the need for high-quality sports content as a driving force in subscriber engagement and growth, as noted by CBS News and Reuters.

This partnership is seen as a strategic pivot within the broader media landscape as direct-to-consumer streaming services grow in importance. Rivals like Netflix and Disney have also secured sizeable sports deals, demonstrating the competitive nature of live sports broadcasting. Under this agreement, UFC plans to increase its existing audience base, which currently reaches around 100 million fans in the U.S. and nearly 950 million households globally, according to Reuters, Reuters, and Reuters.