UFC history was made Monday, as the promotion signed a seven-year deal worth $7.7 billion for its events to air on Paramount+ beginning next year.
This isn’t just any cookie-cutter deal for the MMA leader, however. It’s historic for the U.S. TV audience. As long as a consumer is subscribed to Paramount Plus for $12.99 a month, every event will be accessible to everyone (which eliminates the need for pay-per-view in the U.S).
Executive Chair and CEO of TKO, Ari Emmanuel, said the deal is a game-changer for the overall growth of the sport and the accessibility to its fan base.
Jun 29, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; UFC CEO and president Dana White during UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“This is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset,” Emmanuel said in a statement.
Emmanuel added that TKO’s synergy with the UFC is all about growth, which is what Paramount expects to provide.
“Our decade-long journey with UFC has been defined by continuous growth and expansion, and this agreement is an important realization of our strategy,” Emmanuel added. “We believe wholeheartedly in David’s vision and look forward to being in business with a company that will prioritize technology as a means to enhance storytelling and the overall viewing experience.”
‘X’ (formerly Twitter) appears ecstatic over the deal, especially considering how many people were displeased with the UFC’s streaming issues with ESPN+.
READ MORE: UFC secures landmark deal with Paramount, abolishing PPVs in 2026
‼️ BREAKING ‼️
UFC has announced a 7-year, $7.7 billion exclusive US media rights deal with Paramount.
All UFC events will stream on Paramount+, with select events also airing on CBS.
The pay-per-view model is OVER. ❌ pic.twitter.com/1E6BsUNGgH
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) August 11, 2025
Feb 4, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Super Bowl 58 numerals and CBS Sports logo at the Bellagio fountains on the Las Vegas strip. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Check out some of Twitter’s best reactions related to the landmark agreement.
Mark Shapiro, TKO president & COO says CBS will likely simulcast all of the numbered UFC events.pic.twitter.com/6rSwbswS1B
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) August 11, 2025
“It’s record breaking on so many levels … you wanna talk about a time and place when this sport has an opportunity to get elevated even more.”@BCampbell on UFC dropping the PPV model and agreeing to an exclusive media rights deal with Paramount. pic.twitter.com/eOSdyxE4Vn
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) August 11, 2025
“It’s record-breaking on so many levels … you wanna talk about a time and place when this sport has an opportunity to get elevated even more,” Brian Campbell said.
Dana White 2 years ago
“We are gonna catch you illegal streamers, just wait for it, these guys are in trouble.”
Today
“Yeah so we’re getting rid of the PPV model by moving the UFC to CBS Paramount Plus.”
All of us – pic.twitter.com/uqeyEW2o6j
— JP²⁶ (@_JP26_) August 11, 2025
“CBS is in almost every household in America. This is a recipe for the UFC finally building some major stars again in America.”
“Also means Conor McGregor’s return next summer if it happens is on free TV in the US. Ginormous, but wonder how it affects his cheque?” Bloody Elbow’s Donagh Corby wrote.
🚨 BREAKING: The UFC has signed a $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount to make Paramount+ the new home of the UFC starting in 2026
“Fans in the US will have access to all UFC content without a Pay-Per-View model, making it more affordable and accessible to view the… pic.twitter.com/a57WHs0mme
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 11, 2025
“Fans in the US will have access to all UFC content without a Pay-Per-View model, making it more affordable and accessible to view the greatest fights on a massive platform.”
Wow, UFC leaves ESPN for Paramount+ and doubles its money per year in process. Huge win for new Skydance/Paramount company. Big loss for ESPN streaming. Add another streamer to sports fan cost: https://t.co/KdRK2igdux
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) August 11, 2025
“Wow, UFC leaves ESPN for Paramount+ and doubles its money per year in process. Huge win for new Skydance/Paramount company. Big loss for ESPN streaming. Add another streamer to sports fan cost,” OutKick’s Clay Travis wrote.
The UFC remains with ESPN through the end of the year before fully making the switch over to CBS.
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