Paramount acquires UFC rights in the US through a $7.7 billion agreement

Paramount, which is owned by Skydance, will serve as the exclusive US platform for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) under a seven-year rights deal with TKO Group Holdings starting in 2026, valued at around $7.7 billion, the companies announced on Monday.

In pre-market trading, Paramount shares increased by 4.2%.

The entire UFC schedule in the US, which includes 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights, will be broadcast by the company on its Paramount+ streaming service, with select numbered events also simulcast on its CBS network. The media company also noted that it might pursue UFC rights in other markets as they become available.

“Live sports remain a fundamental pillar of our strategy,” said David Ellison, president and CEO of Paramount, who described the UFC as a “global sports powerhouse.”