Paramount and TKO announce UFC media rights agreement
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, has signed a seven-year media rights agreement with TKO Group Holdings that will make Paramount+ the exclusive U.S. home for all UFC events starting in 2026. The deal, valued at an average $1.1 billion annually, will also see select numbered events simulcast on CBS.
The partnership will replace UFC’s current pay-per-view model in the U.S., offering premium events at no additional cost to Paramount+ subscribers. The slate will include 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights each year, totalling around 43 live events and more than 350 hours of content.
David Ellison, Chairman and CEO, Paramount: "Live sports continue to be a cornerstone of our broader strategy — driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty, and the addition of UFC's year-round must-watch events to our platforms is a major win."
Ariel Emanuel, Executive Chair and CEO, TKO: "This is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset."
Mark Shapiro, President and COO, TKO: "Our new agreement unlocks powerful opportunities at TKO for years to come – meaningful economics for investors; expanded premium inventory for global brand partners; and deeper engagement for UFC's passionate fanbase."
The agreement runs through 2032, with payments weighted toward the later years. Paramount also intends to explore international UFC rights as they become available.
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