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By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Las Vegas-based UFC has a new media partner starting in 2026 as Paramount and UFC parent company TKO Group Holdings Monday announced a seven-year media rights deal that includes Paramount becoming the exclusive media home for all UFC events in the U.S.
Starting in 2026, Paramount will exclusively distribute UFC’s full slate of 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights via its direct-to-consumer streaming platform, Paramount+, with select numbered events to be simulcast on CBS, Paramount’s broadcast network.
UFC’s Pay-Per-View model are out at the end of 2025 and Paramount starts delivering UFC content via its Paramount+ subscriber fee in 2026.
The seven-year agreement has an average annual value (“AAV”) of $1.1 billion. The contract’s payment schedule is weighted more toward the back end of the deal.
“This is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset,” Ariel Emanuel, TKO CEO, said in a press release.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Dana, Ari, and Mark. Rarely do opportunities arise to partner on an exclusive basis with a global sports powerhouse like UFC – an organization with extraordinary global recognition, scale, and cultural impact,” David Ellison, Paramount CEO, said in the same release.
It’s interesting to note that UFC original content like Contender Series and Ultimate Fighter shows that currently stream on ESPN+ were not mentioned in the press release. UFC also has its Fight Pass app that it uses as a streaming platform.
PSA