Paramount Secures Exclusive UFC Rights in Landmark $1.1 Billion Deal
Paramount has finalized a seven-year, $1.1 billion agreement with TKO Group for exclusive U.S. distribution of all UFC events starting in 2026, aiming to enhance accessibility via Paramount+.
UFC ends pay-per-view model with Paramount deal
Washington Examiner
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Overview
- Paramount has secured exclusive U.S. distribution rights for all Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events through a significant seven-year agreement with TKO Group, effective from 2026.
- The landmark deal is valued at $1.1 billion, granting Paramount the sole authority to broadcast all UFC content across the nation, marking a major strategic move.
- This strategic partnership aims to transition UFC events away from the traditional pay-per-view model, enhancing accessibility for a wider consumer base nationwide.
- Paramount+ will serve as the exclusive streaming platform for these events, ensuring all UFC content is readily available to subscribers across the United States.
- The agreement, effective from 2026, represents a major strategic move for both Paramount and TKO Group to expand UFC's market reach and audience engagement significantly.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources collectively present the Paramount-UFC deal as a straightforward business transaction. They focus on the financial terms, the strategic shift from pay-per-view to streaming, and the stated benefits from company executives. While one article includes broader corporate and political context regarding Paramount's recent merger, this information is presented factually to provide background on the acquiring company, rather than to impose a biased narrative on the UFC deal itself.
"The agreement comes as media companies face mounting pressure to secure must-have live content to keep subscribers from jumping to rivals."
CNET"The addition of UFC's year-round must-watch events to our platforms is a major win."
CBS News"Paramount is paying an average of $1.1 billion per year, totaling $7.7 billion, for UFC’s full slate of 13 marquee events and 30 “Fight Nights,” the companies said in a statement."
NBC News"The seven-year deal has an average annual value of $1.1 billion, the companies said Monday."
ABC News"The addition of UFC’s year-round must-watch events to our platforms is a major win."
Associated Press"The addition of UFC’s year-round must-watch events to our platforms is a major win."
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FAQ
Paramount's exclusive U.S. distribution rights for all UFC events begin in 2026.
The agreement between Paramount and TKO Group for exclusive UFC U.S. distribution is a seven-year deal.
The deal is valued at $1.1 billion for the exclusive U.S. distribution rights to UFC events over seven years.
Paramount+ will be the exclusive streaming platform for all UFC events in the U.S. under the new deal.
The deal represents a major strategic move to expand UFC's market reach and audience engagement by transitioning away from traditional pay-per-view to enhanced accessibility via Paramount+.
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