UFC Ends Pay-Per-View in $7.7B Paramount+ Streaming Deal

The UFC has announced a landmark seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal with Paramount+ and CBS that will eliminate the traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model starting in 2026. Under this agreement, fans with a Paramount+ subscription will gain access to all UFC events, including 13 numbered cards and 30 Fight Nights, without additional PPV fees, making the sport more affordable and accessible. UFC President Dana White praised the deal as a major win for athletes and fans, highlighting the increased exposure and affordability. This shift marks a significant change from the previous ESPN+ arrangement, where fans paid both a subscription and separate PPV fees. The deal coincides with Paramount's recent $8.4 billion merger with Skydance and reflects the company's broader strategy to enhance its streaming offerings with live sports content, which also boosted Paramount's stock price. However, Jake Paul criticized the UFC's move, questioning the messaging around the death of PPV while upcoming PPV events are still scheduled.