Media and entertainment conglomerate Paramount (also referred to as Paramount Skydance Corporation) has acquired the rights to distribute UFC fights and events over the next seven years as part of a $7.7 billion deal, as per an official press release by the company. The firm will make payments on the higher end of the scale towards the second half of the deal.
Exclusive distribution of content from one of the most highly regarded MMA platforms will begin in 2026 through Paramount+.
Paramount to pursue rights to UFC events outside the U.S. as well
The current scope of the deal covers U.S. coverage, but the firm expressed interest in its official statement in the possibility of acquiring more rights outside the country.
The transition comes as TKO identified streaming platforms to be more effective when it comes to mass distribution instead of traditional pay-per-view.
“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,” said Paramount CEO David Ellison.
According to CNBC, ESPN used to pay an average of $500 million per year for UFC fights.
“This is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset,” said TKO’s CEO Ariel Emanuel.
Source: Yahoo Finance