Paramount Strikes Historic Deal to Host UFC Events in the U.S.

Paramount has secured a groundbreaking seven-year agreement with TKO Group to become the exclusive home of all Ultimate Fighting Championship events in the United States. The deal, announced on Monday, will see Paramount as the official distributor of UFC’s 13 marquee numbered events and 30 “Fight Nights” on its streaming platform Paramount+ beginning in 2026. Additionally, select numbered events will be simulcast on CBS, marking a new era for UFC broadcasting.

In a recent interview with CBS Sports, UFC CEO Dana White revealed discussions with the Trump administration to host a significant fight at the White House on July 4, 2026, in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. White expressed excitement at the prospect of a major event taking place on the White House lawn, potentially airing on CBS.

A source within the White House confirmed that plans are in motion for the anticipated event next Independence Day.

Shift Away from Pay-Per-View Model

This seven-year agreement signifies a departure from UFC’s traditional pay-per-view model, allowing Paramount and TKO to broaden the reach of mixed martial arts programming to a wider audience across the country. David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, emphasized the company’s extensive reach through its linear and streaming platforms, stating that live sports remain a vital component of their strategy for driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty. The addition of UFC’s premier events to their platforms is seen as a significant victory.

Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO, highlighted the increased engagement expected from UFC’s dedicated fan base, noting that athletes will benefit from this new platform.

Financial Details and Global Expansion

The seven-year deal boasts an average annual value of $1.1 billion, totaling $7.7 billion over its duration, as announced by the companies on Monday. Paramount, under the ownership of Skydance and the parent company of CBS News and Paramount+, expressed intentions to explore UFC rights beyond the U.S. market as opportunities arise in the future.

Following the announcement, shares of TKO, which also oversees the WWE in addition to UFC, surged over 10% in Monday’s trading session, reflecting investor confidence in the partnership.