UFC & Paramount Sign Multi-Billion Dollar Media Rights Deal
In a landmark move set to reshape the combat sports landscape, the UFC has signed a 7-year, $7.7 billion exclusive U.S. media rights deal with Paramount. Under the agreement, all UFC events will stream live on Paramount+, with select cards also airing on CBS. Notably, the new deal eliminates the traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model in the U.S., with Paramount+ absorbing event access into its standard subscription at no additional cost.
For UFC fans, this means unprecedented accessibility — no more shelling out $70+ per fight card.
For the sports and media industries, it represents a significant shift in how premium live events are monetized and distributed. By leveraging a subscription-based streaming platform and a major broadcast network, the UFC and Paramount are signaling a move toward maximizing audience reach over per-event revenue, a model that could influence other sports properties.
From a legal and business perspective, this deal raises fascinating issues in exclusive licensing, antitrust considerations, and the evolution of media rights contracts. It also underscores the growing importance of strategic partnerships between sports organizations and streaming platforms in an era where direct-to-consumer content delivery is overtaking traditional cable and PPV models.
ELIMINATING PAPERVIEW
Contract Restructuring – Eliminating PPV means rewriting all related broadcast and distribution agreements, including contracts with international partners and sponsorships that relied on PPV metrics.
Antitrust and Exclusivity – Paramount’s exclusive rights could draw scrutiny if competitors allege anti-competitive effects in the combat sports broadcasting market, especially given the UFC’s dominant position.
Athlete Compensation Models – UFC fighter pay structures often include a share of PPV revenue. Moving to a flat subscription model could require renegotiating bout agreements and potentially spark disputes.
Consumer Protection Laws – The promise of “no extra fees” must be honored under advertising laws. If Paramount+ changes pricing, they’ll need to carefully navigate truth-in-advertising and subscriber contract terms.
Licensing & Sponsorship Shifts – Broadcasters and advertisers may renegotiate terms now that events will have a broader reach, changing valuation models for brand partnerships
Ultimately, this agreement highlights just how quickly the sports and media industries are evolving — forcing new conversations around contracts, antitrust law, and athlete compensation. But beyond the boardrooms and legal frameworks, the real winners here are the fans. For the first time in decades, UFC supporters can enjoy every card without the financial barrier of pay-per-view. It’s an unprecedented level of accessibility that not only broadens the sport’s reach but also makes being a fan more exciting, affordable, and rewarding than ever
