Paramount+ Secures UFC Broadcast Rights Starting in 2026

The landscape for broadcasting Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events is set for a significant change. A new long-term media rights agreement has been announced, marking a shift from the sport’s current broadcasting home to a new, exclusive streaming platform beginning in 2026.

Main News

UFC has entered into a multi-year media rights partnership with Paramount Global. This new agreement will make Paramount+ the exclusive home for all UFC Pay-Per-View events starting in January 2026.

The first event to be broadcast under this new partnership will be UFC 324. The deal covers the United States, Canada, and Latin America. The transition will occur after the current agreement with ESPN concludes at the end of 2025.

The reported value of the partnership is $2.5 billion. This substantial investment underscores the continuing value of live sports content for streaming services as they compete for subscribers.

Summary

Starting in 2026, UFC Pay-Per-View events will move exclusively to the Paramount+ streaming service. This change concludes the organization’s existing broadcasting relationship with ESPN.

The new multi-year rights deal is valued at approximately $2.5 billion. It grants Paramount+ exclusive rights to broadcast UFC events in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.

The inaugural event on the new platform will be UFC 324 in January 2026. This shift represents a major acquisition of live sports programming for Paramount+.

FAQs

**When does UFC officially move to Paramount+?**
The move to Paramount+ begins in January 2026. The first event on the service will be UFC 324.

Will UFC still be on ESPN before 2026?
Yes, the current agreement with ESPN remains in effect until the end of 2025. The transition to Paramount+ will occur after that contract concludes.

How much is the new streaming deal worth?
The reported value of the multi-year media rights partnership is $2.5 billion. This figure reflects the exclusive broadcasting rights for major territories.

Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. All information is based on verified reporting available at the time of publication.