Paramount lands $7.7B deal for UFC rights

Paramount has secured exclusive US rights to UFC for seven years starting in 2026, paying an average of $1.1 billion annually and $7.7 billion in total.

The deal includes all 13 marquee events and 30 “Fight Nights” each year, streamed via Paramount+ and select events simulcast on CBS. 

Unlike Disney’s ESPN+, which paid $500 million over five years and used pay-per-view for major fights, Paramount will include UFC events in its $12.99 monthly subscription at no extra cost.

The agreement, finalized just days after Paramount’s merger with Skydance, was negotiated in 48 hours.

UFC runs 43 live events annually, generating 350 hours of programming. 

Paramount is also eyeing UFC’s international rights, which cover over 210 countries, as they become available.