UPDATE: The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is making a groundbreaking shift by dropping its historic Pay-Per-View model and partnering with Paramount in a stunning deal valued at $7.7 billion. This major transition comes as Paramount finalizes its acquisition by Skydance Media, a connection reportedly endorsed by President Donald Trump.
This urgent move signals a new era for UFC fans in the U.S., who will now have access to all UFC content through Paramount+ without the burden of Pay-Per-View fees. UFC President Dana White stated, “This historic deal with Paramount and CBS is incredible for UFC fans and our athletes. For the first time, fans in the U.S. will have access to all UFC content without a Pay-Per-View model, making it more affordable and accessible to view the greatest fights on a massive platform.”
The deal encompasses 13 marquee events alongside 30 Fight Nights, with select events also set to be simulcast on CBS. This new model is poised to revolutionize how fans consume MMA content, making it easier than ever to catch the action live.
Paramount’s CEO, David Ellison, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “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.”
This strategic partnership marks a significant investment in content for Paramount, which is striving to enhance its offering on Paramount+ with an impressive 350 hours of fighting footage. As the streaming wars intensify, Paramount aims to leverage this lucrative deal to restore its reputation and outpace competitors in the crowded streaming market.
Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely as this partnership unfolds, with many eager to see how the shift from Pay-Per-View will impact viewership and fan engagement. The fight for streaming dominance is on, and UFC’s move could reshape the landscape of sports broadcasting as we know it.
As developments continue to emerge, stay tuned for updates on this historic partnership that is set to change the way fans interact with UFC content forever.
