Paramount and UFC Strike Exclusive Streaming Deal for 2026 Launch
Paramount will exclusively distribute UFC’s full slate of 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights starting in 2026, delivering them through Paramount+ with select numbered events also being simulcast on CBS, Paramount’s broadcast network. The shift moves UFC away from the traditional Pay-Per-View model, making these premium events available at no additional cost to Paramount+ subscribers and expanding accessibility for fans across the United States.
Under the agreement, UFC events will be available primarily on Paramount+, aimed at driving engagement and subscriber growth for Paramount+. Paramount also plans to explore UFC rights outside the U.S. as opportunities arise in the future, expanding the potential global footprint of the partnership.
Paramount’s announcements included a statement from David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, who said: “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. Paramount’s advantage lies in the expansive reach of our linear and streaming platforms. 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. We look forward to delivering this premium content to millions of fans in the U.S., and potentially beyond.”
Impact and context
– A major strategic shift in how UFC content is distributed, moving from PPV to a streaming-first model on Paramount+ with potential broadcast exposure on CBS.
– The arrangement could broaden UFC’s reach by leveraging Paramount’s cross-platform ecosystem, potentially attracting new subscribers to Paramount+.
– The option to explore rights outside the U.S. indicates a broader global expansion plan in the future.
– For fans, this could simplify access to high-profile UFC events by consolidating them under one subscription, while some select events will also appear on a free-to-air network.
Additional notes
– The deal highlights Paramount’s ongoing emphasis on live sports as a driver of platform growth and fan engagement.
– As the rollout begins in 2026, fans should expect more details on pricing, regional availability, and which events will appear on CBS versus Paramount+.
Summary
Paramount is reshaping UFC distribution by moving a large portion of the league’s marquee events to Paramount+, with some events on CBS, and phasing out traditional PPV for these titles. The collaboration aims to boost subscriber growth for Paramount+ and expand UFC’s global reach, beginning in 2026 and potentially extending beyond the United States in the future.