Paramount has acquired the U.S. rights to TKO Group’s UFC for seven years, starting in 2026, paying $7.7 billion total. All fights will stream on Paramount+ and some on CBS. No extra fees for viewers. TKO recently signed a $1.6 billion deal with ESPN for WWE events.

With the scarcity of sports rights, Paramount CEO David Ellison sees UFC as a valuable asset. UFC content keeps fans subscribed year-round. Paramount is considering buying international UFC rights. Shapiro, TKO CEO, believes UFC will help drive subscriptions for Paramount.

Paramount’s deal with UFC marks a significant move in the media landscape. With the rise of streaming services, securing live sports events like UFC is crucial for attracting and retaining subscribers. The partnership also underscores the growing competition in the sports media industry, with traditional broadcasters and digital platforms vying for exclusive rights to popular events.

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