Paramount Plus UFC streaming rights set to reshape sports streaming
Sports fans are in for a major shift as Paramount Plus secures the exclusive UFC streaming rights in a massive $7.7 billion deal. Beginning in 2026, subscribers will have access to 30 UFC Fight Nights and 13 marquee events every year — all without the traditional pay-per-view costs. This move not only strengthens Paramount Plus’s position in the sports streaming market but also signals a new era where top-tier sporting events are increasingly available through subscription platforms.
For years, UFC events have been tied to premium pay-per-view pricing, leaving many fans searching for more affordable ways to watch their favorite fighters. Paramount Plus’s deal aims to break down that barrier by making high-profile UFC matches accessible to millions of subscribers. The announcement comes hot on the heels of the company’s merger with Skydance, positioning it to compete more aggressively in the growing sports streaming space.
What the Paramount Plus UFC deal means for subscribers
From 2026 onward, UFC enthusiasts with a Paramount Plus subscription can expect a steady stream of top-tier fights as part of their plan. The platform will deliver a mix of Fight Nights and major title bouts, giving fans year-round coverage of MMA’s most exciting moments. While the streaming giant has confirmed that prices will not increase due to the UFC partnership, questions remain over whether the matches will be available to all subscribers or reserved for those on the higher-tier Premium plan.
Paramount Plus will also simulcast select UFC events on CBS, expanding the reach of the sport beyond streaming-only audiences. This hybrid strategy mirrors what other broadcasters have done to balance streaming growth with traditional TV viewership. For fans, this could mean more opportunities to watch fights live, regardless of whether they prefer streaming or broadcast television.
How this changes the sports streaming landscape
The Paramount Plus UFC streaming rights acquisition is the latest example of an industry-wide competition to secure major sports content. Live sports remain one of the few content categories that reliably attract large, engaged audiences in real time — a factor that streaming platforms are eager to capitalize on. Paramount Plus’s aggressive move into UFC coverage follows similar strategies by competitors snapping up exclusive deals in football, basketball, and other high-demand sports.
What makes this deal stand out is its scale and cost. Paramount Plus will be paying approximately $1.1 billion annually for the rights, more than double what the previous rights holder reportedly paid. This signals the increasing value streaming companies place on sports content as a driver of subscriptions and long-term customer loyalty. The exclusivity of the UFC rights also gives Paramount Plus a unique differentiator in a crowded streaming market.
Why fans should be excited about the Paramount Plus UFC streaming rights
For UFC fans, this deal could be game-changing. Removing the pay-per-view requirement for marquee fights lowers the cost barrier and opens access to a broader audience. New viewers curious about MMA can now explore the sport without committing to expensive one-off purchases, while dedicated fans get more value for their subscription fee.
Additionally, the integration of UFC content into Paramount Plus’s library means fans can expect better on-demand access to past fights, fighter profiles, and related programming. The convenience of streaming — combined with the reach of CBS broadcasts — could help UFC grow its fanbase even further. As 2026 approaches, subscribers will be watching closely for updates on which plan tiers will include the fights, but one thing is certain: this deal puts Paramount Plus at the center of the MMA streaming world.
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