UFC Signs $7.7B Paramount Streaming Deal Ending Pay-Per-View Model

The UFC is ending its traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model in the United States with a new seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal with Paramount, which will make all live UFC events available to Paramount+ subscribers at no additional cost. This transition marks a significant shift from the previous ESPN deal and aims to address longstanding fan complaints about PPV affordability and piracy. The move is seen as a game-changer for MMA fans, who will now pay a monthly Paramount+ subscription fee instead of high PPV prices. While the business benefits for UFC and Paramount are clear, fans and observers are debating whether the fighters themselves will see increased pay given the massive new revenue. This deal also highlights the growing importance of live sports rights in the streaming wars, with streaming platforms investing billions to secure exclusive content that drives subscriber growth and engagement. Meanwhile, ESPN faces a major opportunity to capitalize on the UFC's departure by focusing more heavily on boxing, a sport that is currently experiencing rapid worldwide growth and presents a chance to boost ESPN's sports portfolio amid challenges in other areas like the NBA.