Paramount lands UFC rights in $7.7-billion streaming and TV deal

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Stepping into my role as a film and combat sports enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share the news that Paramount Pictures, our beloved movie studio under new management, has made a significant stride by acquiring media rights to the electrifying mixed martial arts events of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) within the United States. This announcement was made on Monday, marking an exciting expansion of their entertainment portfolio.

Under a seven-year agreement, TKO Group Holdings’ prominent events and approximately 30 fight nights are set to be streamed on Paramount+’s platform. Some of these matches will also be televised on CBS’s traditional broadcast network.

Paramount is shelling out approximately $1.1 billion annually, accumulating to a grand total of $7.7 billion. This figure is more than twice what TKO has been receiving under their existing deal with ESPN, which concludes by the end of 2025.

The agreement indicates that Paramount plans to take a proactive approach in acquiring properties aimed at enhancing the appeal of its streaming service to consumers, as it competes against Netflix, Amazon, and other rivals.

David Ellison, newly appointed CEO of Paramount following the $8 billion merger between his firm Skydance and a media company last week, has recently been spotted at UFC events conversing with President Trump. Prior to this, Ellison was waiting on regulatory approval for the merger between Paramount and Skydance.

Hollywood Inc.

Following the completion of the $8 billion merger, tycoon David Ellison addressed the media, and the initial query from journalists concerned President Trump.

As a dedicated film buff, I can’t help but appreciate the impactful marketing strategies employed by TKO and WWE throughout the year. These captivating events serve as a magnet, keeping me and many others like me, hooked onto our streaming subscriptions.

Under the latest agreement, UFC will cease using pay-per-view as a distribution method, marking a notable change. Instead, all fights will be accessible to those with a Paramount+ subscription. TKO broadcasts approximately 43 live events annually, offering around 350 hours of live content.

According to Ari Emanuel, the executive chair of TKO, this transaction is a significant achievement and a distinct brand agreement that reinforces UFC’s standing as a top-tier sports property.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I, along with fellow Disney fans, can continue to enjoy ESPN’s partnership with TKO, thanks to the recent signing of a whopping $1.6 billion, five-year deal! This means that ESPN will be bringing us all our favorite WWE events, such as WrestleMania and SummerSlam, on their direct-to-consumer platform, set to launch later this month. So, get ready to tune in and witness the action unfold!

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2025-08-11 17:01