Starting in January 2026, the UFC will transition from its current ESPN partnership to a new seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal with Paramount and CBS, significantly altering how fans access its events.
This agreement makes Paramount+ the exclusive U.S. streaming home for all UFC events, including 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights annually, with select events simulcast on CBS. The deal, averaging $1.1 billion per year, marks a major shift by eliminating the traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model, which currently costs U.S. fans around $79.99 per numbered event on ESPN+.
Instead, all UFC content will be available to Paramount+ subscribers at no additional cost beyond the standard subscription fee, which currently ranges from $7.99 to $12.99 per month depending on the plan.
Paramount+’s 77 million subscribers—over triple ESPN+’s reach—could drive significant viewership growth, with CBS’s broadcast platform offering additional exposure for casual fans.
UFC President Dana White and Paramount CEO David Ellison have called the deal a “game-changer,” emphasizing its benefits for fans and athletes through increased visibility. However, uncertainties remain about potential Paramount+ price hikes, the inclusion of archived fights, or how the shift might affect fighter pay, which historically tied bonuses to PPV sales.
The deal, finalized in just 48 hours after Paramount’s merger with Skydance, positions Paramount+ as a growing sports streaming hub, alongside its existing NFL, UEFA Champions League, and other sports offerings. Until 2026, UFC will continue its PPV model on ESPN+.