Paramount has simply snapped up the rights to the UFC, becoming a member of an industry-wide race to purchase up remaining sports activities streaming rights. The $7.7 billion deal will deliver 30 of the UFC’s “Struggle Nights” and 13 marquee occasions to Paramount Plus subscribers for seven years beginning in 2026 — no pay-per-view required.
Paramount, which merged with Skydance simply days in the past, gained’t cost subscribers extra for entry to UFC fights. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless not clear whether or not UFC fights can be unique to Paramount Plus’ spricier $12.99 per thirty days Premium plan, or if $7.99 per thirty days Important subscribers will acquire entry, too. Paramount can even simulcast among the occasions on CBS.
The Disney-owned ESPN at present holds the rights to the UFC, with its ESPN Plus streaming service airing occasions on a pay-per-view foundation. As noted by CNBC, ESPN paid a mean of $500 million yearly for 5 years of UFC rights, whereas Paramount can pay round $1.1 billion yearly.