Beginning in 2026, UFC will have a new home in the United States.
On Monday, Aug. 11, UFC CEO and president Dana White took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm that the organization had reached a groundbreaking deal with Paramount and CBS, making their networks the exclusive home of UFC events while moving from the pay-per-view model.
The deal, which is historic for the organizations, is worth $7.7 billion over seven years and could revolutionize the way fans consume combat sports. In his statement, White said, "The exposure provided by the Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a huge win for our athletes and anyone who watches and loves this sport."
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Here is everything to know about UFC's new media rights deal.
UFC-Paramount Plus deal, explained
Paramount has acquired the U.S. rights to UFC with a seven-year deal that begins in 2026.
The deal is worth $7.7 billion and makes Paramount+ the exclusive home of UFC's 13 marquee events as well as 30 "Fight Nights," with select numbered events simulcast on CBS. While the average annual value of the deal is $1.1 million, the contract's payment schedule is weighted toward the deal's back end.
In the official news release, Paramount indicated that it "intends to explore UFC rights outside the U.S. as they become available in the future."
MORE: What NFL's new media rights deal means for RedZone, NFL Network and more
Is UFC still on pay-per-view?
UFC fights will no longer be on pay-per-view. This model will begin with the new rights deal in 2026.
Paramount will not charge users any additional fees for access to UFC events, marking a shift from the pay-per-view model that is currently in place for premium UFC events on ESPN+.
Fans will automatically get UFC's numbered fights by signing up for Paramount+ and paying one of the streaming platform's flat monthly rates.
"The pay-per-view model is a thing of the past,” TKO Group president and COO Mark Shapiro told CNBC. “What’s on pay-per-view anymore? Boxing? Movies on DirecTV? It’s an outdated, antiquated model. So, it was paramount to us – forgive the pun – where it’s one-stop shopping, especially for our younger fans in flyover states.
"When they find out, ‘Wait, if I just sign up for Paramount+ for $12.99 a month, I’m going to automatically get UFC’s numbered fights and the rest of the portfolio?’ That’s a message we want to amplify."
How much is a Paramount Plus subscription?
There are two tiers of Paramount+ plans: Premium and Essential. Both plans are available on a monthly and annual basis, with annual subscriptions offered at a slightly discounted rate.
- Paramount+ Premium: $12.99/month or $119.99/year
- Paramount+ Essential: $7.99/month or $59.99/year