Paramount and TKO Forge Groundbreaking Media Rights Partnership for UFC Events

In a monumental agreement announced on August 11, 2025, Paramount, part of Skydance Corporation, and TKO Group Holdings, Inc. signed a seven-year media rights deal that positions Paramount as the exclusive home of UFC events in the United States starting in 2026. This collaboration is a significant step forward in transforming how fans access mixed martial arts content and signifies a shift in the landscape of sports broadcasting.

Details of the Agreement

Beginning January 2026, Paramount will distribute all UFC numbered events and Fight Nights exclusively through its streaming platform, Paramount+. The partnership replaces the traditional Pay-Per-View model which has previously governed UFC events, gifting fans the ability to enjoy premium content without any extra costs beyond their basic subscription fee. This is expected to boost engagement levels and subscriber numbers for Paramount’s service as sports fans flock to discover exciting UFC content.

As part of this agreement, select key fights of the UFC schedule will also be simulcast on CBS, expanding the reach of UFC events even further through one of America's most-watched broadcast networks. David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, expressed excitement about the new partnership, highlighting the unique opportunity to collaborate with a global sports leader like UFC. He emphasized how live sports are central to Paramount's strategy for driving customer engagement and brand loyalty.

Acknowledgments from Industry Leaders

Ariel Emanuel, Executive Chair and CEO of TKO, shared his views on the deal, describing it as a historic milestone for UFC that reinforces its position as a dominant global sports entity. He acknowledges the continuous growth of UFC over the past decade and anticipates that the partnership with Paramount will enhance viewers' experiences through innovative technology.

Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO, underscored the potential of this new agreement, blowing open doors for TKO’s economic opportunities and offering expanded marketing inventories for global partners. He also assured that this venture stands to engage a passionate community of UFC fans even more deeply, a critical factor in retaining viewer interest.

UFC's Global Reach and Fan Base

UFC, the leading organization in mixed martial arts, organizes around 43 live events annually and boasts a staggering fan base of approximately 100 million in the U.S. alone. Its programming reaches around 950 million households across more than 210 countries, displaying a diverse and international audience.

This collaboration with Paramount marks a pivotal moment in the sports’ history, demonstrating a commitment to making top-tier martial arts accessible to a broader range of viewers. Crucially, the long-term deal, valued at an average annual sum of $1.1 billion, showcases the magnitude of this partnership. Payments for the contract will be greater in the later years, hinting at potential growth in both viewership engagement and profitability for both parties involved.

Conclusion

As this new era unfolds for UFC on Paramount+, fans can expect to see innovative integrations and enhancements in their viewing experience. Through this landmark agreement, Paramount not only gains a significant asset in UFC but also cements its position as a key player in the competitive sports and entertainment landscape. The stage is set for a fresh and dynamic presentation of mixed martial arts, promising excitement for fans and partners alike. With the backing of TKO’s formidable sports properties, UFC's future on the Paramount platform looks incredibly bright. Expect nothing less than a revolutionary transformation in how mixed martial arts is consumed across America and potentially, beyond its borders.