In a move set to reshape the future of mixed martial arts broadcasting, UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that the promotion will part ways with ESPN in 2026 to sign an unprecedented seven-year deal with Paramount worth $7.7 billion. The landmark agreement not only boosts the organization’s financial muscle but also signals the end of the long-standing Pay-Per-View (PPV) model in the United States.
A historic shift in UFC broadcasting
The deal, announced jointly by Dana White and TKO CEO Ari Emanuel, represents a seismic shift in how UFC fans will consume content. Starting in 2026, all UFC fights and related programming will be available on Paramount+ without the traditional PPV costs that have long been a sticking point for viewers.
“The landmark deal with Paramount and CBS is incredible for UFC fans and for our athletes. For the first time, fans in the United States will have access to all UFC content without a pay-per-view model, making it more affordable and accessible to watch the best fights on a massive platform,” Dana White said in a statement.
Goodbye pay-per-view, hello accessibility
For years, fans have voiced frustration over the rising cost of PPV events. Under the new agreement, UFC content will be part of Paramount+’s subscription service, dramatically increasing affordability and accessibility. In a bonus for fight enthusiasts, certain marquee “numbered” events will also be simulcast on CBS, giving the sport a broader mainstream presence.
The decision to eliminate the PPV model is being widely celebrated online. Social media platforms have been flooded with praise for the UFC’s move, with many fans calling it the “best decision in years” for the sport.
Paramount lands the knockout blow
Securing the UFC rights is a huge win for Paramount, which outmaneuvered major competitors such as ESPN, Amazon, and Netflix to become the exclusive streaming home of the promotion in the U.S. The acquisition instantly strengthens Paramount+’s sports portfolio and provides it with access to one of the most passionate fan bases in the world.
For Dana White and UFC, the deal ensures steady revenue while expanding its reach to millions of potential new viewers through both streaming and network television. For fans, it represents a new era — one in which the best fights in the world can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.