Paramount has simply snapped up the rights to the UFC, becoming a member of an industry-wide race to purchase up remaining sports activities streaming rights. The $7.7 billion deal will carry 30 of the UFC’s “Struggle Nights” and 13 marquee occasions to Paramount Plus subscribers for seven years beginning in 2026 — no pay-per-view required.
Paramount, which merged with Skydance simply days in the past, gained’t cost subscribers extra for entry to UFC fights. However it’s nonetheless not clear whether or not UFC fights will likely be unique to Paramount Plus’ spricier $12.99 per 30 days Premium plan, or if $7.99 per 30 days Important subscribers will achieve entry, too. Paramount will even simulcast among the occasions on CBS.
The Disney-owned ESPN at the moment holds the rights to the UFC, with its ESPN Plus streaming service airing occasions on a pay-per-view foundation. As noted by CNBC, ESPN paid a mean of $500 million yearly for 5 years of UFC rights, whereas Paramount pays round $1.1 billion yearly.