UFC rights move to Paramount set for next year

Paramount and CBS will start broadcasting UFC events next year under a seven year, 7.7 billion deal, changing how fans watch and pay for fights.

UFC rights move to Paramount reshapes access for fans

The UFC broadcast rights will shift from current holders to Paramount and CBS starting next year in a deal worth 7.7 billion dollars over seven years. The arrangement also ties UFC events to CBS platforms and the Paramount network, a move that could alter how fans access pay per view events. For now, fans still need an ESPN+ subscription to purchase PPV events, with the price of a single PPV currently around 79.99 dollars, and ESPN+ at 11.99 dollars per month.

Analysts say the deal signals a broader shift in sports media where big events are bundled with streaming and traditional TV, potentially easing the immediate cost for some fans while reshaping the economics of combat sports. The question is whether this will translate into lasting affordability and stable access, or simply reroute revenue through different channels. As networks chase subscriber growth, the deal could pressure rivals to rethink bundles and pricing models, affecting advertisers and regional markets alike.

Highlights

Price is only part of the story; the real test is whether the new model keeps fans engaged over the long term.