UFC signs blockbuster seven-year deal with Paramount, ending the pay-per-view era
A landmark shift is underway in mixed martial arts as the UFC has struck a seven-year broadcast deal with Paramount, set to begin in 2026. The arrangement is valued at about $1.1 billion per year on average, underscoring a transformative move away from the traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model that has defined the sport since its early days in the 1990s.
Under the new partnership, UFC’s 2026 slate will include 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights, but there will be no separate PPV tier. All events will be accessible to Paramount subscribers, with some cards also airing on CBS, the network arm of the parent company. UK viewers are largely unaffected, as TNT Sports remains the UFC’s broadcaster there, with discovery+ continuing to offer access to TNT Sports in the region.
Why this move is happening
Industry watchers have noted a steady decline in PPV buys in a streaming-centric era, reinforcing the UFC’s interest in a guaranteed revenue stream. A March report from the New York Post highlighted weak PPV numbers and technical hiccups on ESPN+ that have fueled questions about the viability of the old model. The shift to a streaming-first model promises stable, large-scale distribution regardless of individual event buys, while still leveraging live CBS airings for select events.
How fans will watch and pay less
Today, a UFC fan in the United States can expect to pay about $11.99 per month for ESPN+, plus roughly $80 for each numbered event. By moving to Paramount’s subscription-based model, fans would pay about $7.99 per month for Paramount+ and gain access to the same events without per-event PPVs. In practical terms, the article estimated that a fan who wants to watch every numbered event and Fight Night would currently spend roughly $1,103.88 per year, but under the Paramount plan would pay about $95.88 per year for access.
What it means for UK fans
For UK fans, the transition is less direct. The Paramount deal is framed around US broadcast rights, while TNT Sports’ existing deal with the UFC in the UK remains in place. UK viewers can continue to watch UFC events through TNT Sports, with some Fight Nights and numbered events sometimes accessible on the platform, alongside the option to stream via discovery+ in the region.
What to expect on CBS and how the events will differ
Paramount has said that some events will appear on CBS starting in 2026, though details on which events will be shown on the network remain to be announced. The distinction between numbered events and Fight Nights aims to be preserved, but with a streamed, non-PPV structure. Title fights will typically appear on the numbered events, but the exact quality controls or scheduling distinctions between numbered cards and Fight Nights are still to be determined as the deal rolls out.
Impact on fighters
Under the traditional PPV system, many fighters earned additional income through PPV points tied to pay-per-view buys. With PPV points likely gone under the new model, the UFC may need to rethink fighter compensation for main cards and marquee fights. UFC president Dana White has emphasized that the shift could boost fighters’ exposure, though no concrete financial terms have been disclosed. The absence of PPV revenue sharing could lead to adjustments in contracts or bonuses tied to viewership milestones, but further details are expected in the lead-up to 2026.
Impact on ESPN and broader sports portfolio
ESPN’s relationship with UFC will change in light of the new deal, but the network stays connected to combat sports through other arrangements. ESPN has also recently secured a deal with WWE, reflecting a broader cross-promotional strategy within the TKO ownership group. In addition to WWE, ESPN continues to hold rights to other MMA content, such as the Professional Fighters League (PFL), under renewal agreements signed in previous years. The landscape suggests ESPN will maintain a continued, diversified portfolio of live combat sports even as UFC moves to Paramount for primary distribution.
What this means going forward
– Greater accessibility and predictable costs for fans, with all UFC events bundled under a streaming subscription.
– A potential shift in how fighters are paid and how contracts are structured, given the absence of PPV points.
– A mixed-model approach in the US with CBS carrying select events, while international markets and UK viewers rely on existing broadcast and streaming arrangements.
– Ongoing industry realignment as other leagues and promoters reassess the balance between streaming, cable, and traditional pay-per-view.
Summary
The UFC’s new seven-year deal with Paramount marks a watershed change in how the sport is broadcast and monetized. By moving away from PPV toward a subscription-driven model, UFC aims to secure steady revenue, expand reach, and potentially boost fighter exposure. While many specifics remain to be announced, the transition signals a broader industry trend toward streaming-first access and network-backed distribution.
A hopeful note
This development could democratize access to UFC events, reduce the cost burden on dedicated fans, and increase the visibility of fighters worldwide. If executed well, it may also spur broader competition among streaming platforms to secure high-profile live sports rights, benefiting fans with more choice and better access.
Add-on considerations for readers
– Look out for how CBS selections are determined and which events will air on television versus streaming.
– Monitor announcements about fighter compensation changes and any new bonus structures tied to viewership.
– Expect UK and international distribution updates as regional deals are renegotiated in light of the new US-centric model.
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