Starting in 2026, Paramount+ will exclusively stream 13 UFC numbered events and 30 Fight Nights each year with select cards simulcast on CBS under a seven-year, $7.7 billion agreement. The deal ends the traditional U.S. pay-per-view model by including all UFC content at no extra cost for Paramount+ subscribers. ESPN’s U.S. broadcast and PPV rights for UFC will lapse at the end of 2025, handing control to Paramount after six years with Disney’s network. Paramount CEO David Ellison and TKO Group COO Mark Shapiro say the pact aims to deepen fan engagement and accelerate subscriber growth following Paramount’s sale to Skydance. Following the announcement, TKO Group shares jumped nearly 8% while Paramount’s stock slipped and the company signaled plans to pursue international UFC rights when available.
