Paramount Locks Down UFC Rights in 7-Year Mega-Deal With TKO Group
The reports are that the agreement has an average annual value of $1.1 billion.
Paramount, in a strategic move to expand its sports programming, has reached an agreement with TKO Group to become the exclusive home for Ultimate Fighting Championship events in the U.S. The seven-year deal, announced on Monday, will see Paramount take over the distribution of the UFC's 13 marquee numbered events and 30 "Fight Nights".
This agreement signifies a departure from the UFC's previous pay-per-view model. Both Paramount and TKO are anticipating that this change will make mixed martial arts programming more accessible to consumers across the nation. Selected marquee events will also be simulcast on CBS, starting in 2026.
David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, stated that live sports are a "cornerstone of our broader strategy" and that "the addition of UFC's year-round must-watch events to our platforms is a major win." Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO, echoed this sentiment, expressing the idea that the deal will lead to "deeper engagement for UFC's passionate fan base".
This development follows earlier reports that the agreement has an average annual value of $1.1 billion. In addition, Paramount, currently under the ownership of Skydance, is considering the exploration of UFC rights beyond U.S. borders as future opportunities arise.
In the wake of this announcement, shares of TKO, which also encompasses the WWE, experienced a 1.4% increase during premarket trading on Monday. Paramount Global, as we now understand, owns both CBS News and Paramount+.
This agreement raises important questions about the future of sports broadcasting and the growing influence of streaming platforms. We will keep you updated on any future developments.