Posted on 8/11/125 by Colin Vassallo
It’s been a crazy week for TKO Group Holdings as the company
and its UFC subsidiary today announced a new blockbuster
media rights deal with Paramount Skydance worth $7.7
billion.
Set over a span of seven years with an average value of $1.1
billion per year, the new deal will see 13 numbered UFC
events and 30 UFC Fight Nights airing exclusively on
Paramount+, with some events being simulcast on CBS.
The deal effectively kills the pay-per-view model for the
UFC as all the events will be part of the Paramount+
subscription, similar to what WWE has with Peacock and with
ESPN next year.WWE live events
“I couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Dana, Ari,
and Mark. Rarely do opportunities arise to partner on an
exclusive basis with a global sports powerhouse like UFC –
an organization with extraordinary global recognition,
scale, and cultural impact,” said David Ellison, Chairman
and CEO of Paramount. “Paramount’s advantage lies in the
expansive reach of our linear and streaming platforms. Live
sports continue to be a cornerstone of our broader strategy
— driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term
loyalty, and the addition of UFC’s year-round must-watch
events to our platforms is a major win. We look forward to
delivering this premium content to millions of fans in the
U.S., and potentially beyond.”
“This is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC,
solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports
asset,” said Ariel Emanuel, Executive Chair and CEO, TKO.
“Our decade-long journey with UFC has been defined by
continuous growth and expansion, and this agreement is an
important realization of our strategy. We believe
wholeheartedly in David’s vision and look forward to being
in business with a company that will prioritize technology
as a means to enhance storytelling and the overall viewing
experience.”
“Paramount is a platinum partner with significant reach,”
said Mark Shapiro, President and COO, TKO. “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. Just as importantly, our
athletes will love this new stage.”
The deal will kick off in January 2026 when UFC exits ESPN
and is replaced by WWE on a new $1.6 billion five-year deal
which will see 10 premium live events streaming on their new
DTC service and some of them simulcasting on ESPN linear.WWE
live events
This historic deal does not include any of The Ultimate
Fighter, Dana White’s Contender Series, or any of the UFC
video library, which could be sold to another partner.
TKO also has the NXT premium live events domestic rights and
the vast WWE video library also potentially going to other
broadcast partners in a different deal.