Skydance-owned Paramount has secured a seven-year streaming agreement valued at approximately $7.7 billion USD, making it the exclusive U.S. home of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This deal marks the first significant strategic initiative by the newly merged media entity under CEO David Ellison.
Beginning in the upcoming year, Paramount+ will showcase the complete line-up of 13 numbered UFC events and 30 Fight Nights. Additionally, select numbered events will be simulcast on Paramount's CBS network. This partnership aligns with Ellison's intention to enhance investment in exclusive content, which he identifies as a crucial factor in subscriber growth.
The acquisition of sports streaming rights has become a focal point for media companies as they adapt to the cord-cutting trend. Rivals such as Netflix and Disney are also pursuing similar strategies. Notably, Netflix has secured a $5 billion, 10-year global deal for WWE Raw starting in 2025, and Disney's ESPN has extended its rights with several major leagues, including the NFL and NHL.
Under the new agreement, Paramount will pay an average of $1.1 billion annually, transitioning from UFC's traditional pay-per-view model to include events at no additional cost for subscribers. The company is also exploring opportunities to acquire UFC rights in other international markets.