Paramount secures exclusive UFC rights in $1.1 billion seven-year deal

Paramount (NASDAQ: PSKY) and TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) announced a seven-year media rights agreement worth $1.1 billion annually that makes Paramount the exclusive home of all UFC events in the United States starting in 2026.

Under the agreement, Paramount+ will stream all 13 UFC numbered events and 30 Fight Nights live, with select marquee fights simulcast on CBS. The deal represents a shift away from UFC's pay-per-view model, making premium events available at no additional cost to Paramount+ subscribers.

"Rarely do opportunities arise to partner on an exclusive basis with a global sports powerhouse like UFC," said David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount. The company stated it intends to explore UFC rights outside the U.S. as they become available.

TKO Executive Chair and CEO Ariel Emanuel called the agreement "a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset."

The contract has an average annual value of $1.1 billion, with payments weighted toward the back end of the seven-year term. UFC produces approximately 43 live events annually, delivering more than 350 hours of live content to nearly 950 million broadcast and digital households across more than 210 countries.

UFC has approximately 100 million fans in the United States and features a roster of about 600 male and female athletes representing 75 countries. The organization is part of TKO Group Holdings, which also owns WWE and Professional Bull Riders.

The information is based on a press release statement from the companies.

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