Overview

• Paramount will pay $7.7 billion over seven years for U.S. UFC media rights, replacing ESPN when the current contract expires at the end of 2025.
• All UFC events will stream on Paramount+ with select CBS simulcasts starting in 2026, and the promotion will abandon its traditional pay-per-view model.
• Industry observers warn the deal accelerates TKO Group’s strategy to consolidate MMA, boxing and wrestling assets, raising market-concentration and competitive concerns.
• Some analysts have suggested the payment to Ari Emanuel may have helped smooth approval of Skydance’s merger, but those political-payoff allegations remain as developing commentary.
• The shift deals a significant blow to ESPN’s combat-sports portfolio and has renewed calls for legislative reforms to protect boxing by enhancing the Ali Act or advancing the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act.