Mixed martial arts fans can now rejoice: The end of UFC PPV has arrived.
In a seismic shift for sports streaming, Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, and TKO Group Holdings, Inc. have inked a landmark seven-year media rights agreement that will make Paramount+ the exclusive U.S. home for all UFC events starting in 2026. The deal, valued at an average of $1.1 billion annually, marks a bold move away from the traditional Pay-Per-View model, bringing UFC’s 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights directly to Paramount+ subscribers at no additional cost.
This partnership signals a new era for both the UFC and Paramount. For the first time, fans will have unprecedented access to the full slate of UFC action, with select numbered events also simulcast on CBS, Paramount’s flagship broadcast network. The agreement is poised to drive engagement and subscriber growth for Paramount+, while offering UFC’s passionate fanbase greater accessibility and discoverability.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Dana, Ari, and Mark,” said David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount in a press release. “Live sports continue to be a cornerstone of our broader strategy, 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.”
Ariel Emanuel, Executive Chair and CEO of TKO, called the deal a “milestone moment,” solidifying UFC’s status as a global sports powerhouse. “This agreement is an important realization of our strategy. We believe wholeheartedly in David’s vision and look forward to being in business with a company that will prioritize technology as a means to enhance storytelling and the overall viewing experience.”
The news of the UFC’s move away from the pricey PPV model was met with tons of fanfare on social media. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani said that, “The best news for fans? The PPV model is dead. All events are a part of the regular subscription, including numbered shows.”
With UFC’s reach spanning nearly 950 million households in over 210 countries, and a roster of 600 elite athletes, the partnership is set to redefine how fans experience mixed martial arts. As Paramount+ prepares to become the new home for UFC, the future of sports streaming just got a lot more exciting.
TKO COO Mark Shapiro explains UFC’s decision to leave the “outdated” PPV model in new U.S. broadcast deal. pic.twitter.com/nRd3kXAe90
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) August 11, 2025