Dana White Reveals How UFC Landed a Historic $7.7 Billion Streaming Deal with Paramount
August 12, 2025 – In a landmark media rights agreement, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has secured an exclusive streaming and broadcasting deal valued at $7.7 billion with Paramount, a subsidiary of the merged entity with Skydance. This deal, which marks a seven-year partnership beginning in 2026, represents one of the biggest sports streaming contracts in recent history.
Dana White, the President and CEO of UFC, spoke extensively about the strategic process behind the deal during a recent appearance on CBS Sports HQ. He explained that the previous media rights agreement was expiring, prompting UFC to explore new partnerships. Paramount’s proposal stood out by offering not only a massive financial package but also increased exposure to UFC athletes and fans.
Under the terms of the deal, Paramount Plus will become the exclusive streaming home for UFC events, moving away from the traditional pay-per-view model. Additionally, select marquee UFC fights will be simulcast on CBS, a network that will now play a significant role in UFC’s content distribution. This dual-platform approach is designed to enhance accessibility and grow the sport’s audience both on traditional television and streaming channels.
White emphasized the importance of increased exposure for the sport’s athletes and fans, highlighting how paramount this new structure is for UFC’s growth. He noted that this collaboration leverages Paramount’s diverse platforms, including CBS Sports Networks and Paramount Plus, which collectively bring the potential to transform UFC’s reach and accessibility worldwide.
The deal comes shortly after Paramount’s merger with Skydance, deepening the entertainment giant’s portfolio and expanding its sports broadcasting ambitions. This move aligns with a broader industry trend where streaming platforms are aggressively investing in live sports content to attract subscribers and compete in the evolving digital entertainment landscape.
Sports media analysts view the UFC-Paramount deal as an innovative shift that blends traditional broadcasting with digital streaming, promising new revenue streams and enhanced fan engagement. It also positions UFC as a frontrunner in the mixed martial arts category for the next decade.
With this agreement, UFC fights arriving exclusively on Paramount Plus and simulcast on CBS will likely redefine how audiences engage with combat sports, creating more flexible and accessible viewing options while promising a substantial return on investment for both parties.
Fans and industry watchers eagerly anticipate the rollout of the new broadcasting schedule in 2026, curious to see how UFC’s popularity will be influenced by this expansion in distribution and exposure.