In a significant move for the streaming landscape, Paramount has secured a massive seven-year deal for the rights to broadcast UFC matchups, totaling an astounding $7.7 billion. This follows Paramount's recent acquisition by Skydance Media and represents a major investment in live sports streaming. The agreement, announced on August 11, 2025, covers 13 high-profile events and 30 "Fight Night" installments. These will predominantly air on Paramount+, with select games also broadcast on CBS. Importantly, Paramount+ plans to offer this content without charging subscribers extra fees, unlike ESPN's current model.
This deal significantly changes the streaming sports landscape. ESPN, currently holding UFC rights under a $500 million annual contract, charges extra for select events on its ESPN+ platform. Paramount's approach aims to boost subscriber retention by offering year-round live events, potentially reducing churn. Mark Shapiro, TKO’s president and chief operating officer, stated that while they had been negotiating the 30 "Fight Night" deal for some time, the agreement for the 13 marquee events materialized rapidly—within 48 hours—following the Paramount-Skydance merger, as he revealed in a CNBC interview. "The two sides have been working on a deal for the 30 “Fight Night” but, after the Paramount-Skydance deal closed, an agreement for the 13 marquee events was put together in just 48 hours," he said.
Paramount is also reportedly exploring the acquisition of international UFC rights, although securing these rights may prove more complex due to staggered contract expirations over the coming years. It is worth noting that ESPN retains some presence in the combat sports arena, having recently signed a separate agreement with TKO to broadcast WWE events.