The Tiffany Network is entering the Octagon. Paramount and UFC announced a seven-year, $7.7 billion tie-up for U.S. rights Monday that will bring 30 Fight Nights and 13 marquee numbered events to CBS and Paramount+ annually, beginning in 2026.
Full access to UFC events will be available as part of the Paramount+ normal subscription fee, ending the pay-per-view model that UFC previously relied on for its marquee events through its partnership with ESPN+. The new deal also doubles the annual value of its U.S. rights over the course of the contract.
For Paramount, the agreement signals its interest in top-tier sports rights days after the official close of its merger with Skydance Media, with David Ellison taking over as CEO of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation.
“Live sports continue to be a cornerstone of our broader strategy—driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty,” Ellison said in a statement released Monday. UFC will join March Madness, the Masters and the NFL in Paramount’s portfolio.
CBS and Paramount+ are now on track to potentially air a UFC event from the White House lawn, something President Donald Trump has spoken about as part of his plans for celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence in July of 2026. Ellison was seen alongside Trump at multiple UFC matches earlier this year. The new agreement also reportedly gives the media company the opportunity to produce original content based on UFC.
Twenty years ago, the Paramount Network cable channel predecessor Spike TV premiered The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show following aspiring UFC combatants. Spike also aired UFC fights before the sport moved to Fox in 2012. Some credit the show with helping to “save” UFC as it fought for mainstream validation.
UFC parent company TKO previously announced a WWE deal with ESPN worth $1.6 billion over five years, also starting in 2026. In each case, traditional sports buyers have grabbed the assets, rather than new streaming players such as Amazon or Netflix. Combat sports have proven particularly valuable for modern media companies looking for year-round draws.
“Our new agreement unlocks powerful opportunities at TKO for years to come—meaningful economics for investors; expanded premium inventory for global brand partners; and deeper engagement for UFC’s passionate fanbase,” TKO president and COO Mark Shapiro said in a statement. “Just as importantly, our athletes will love this new stage.”
(This has been updated with information on Paramount’s past ties with UFC.)
