MMA Knockout

UFC community rejoices over landmark CBS/Paramount Plus deal beginning in 2026

The promotion made a splash Monday by eliminating the need for PPV beginning next year.
Zain Bando|
Apr 26, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, UNITED STATES; A general view of the Octagon while Giga Chikadze (red gloves) fights David Onama (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
Apr 26, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, UNITED STATES; A general view of the Octagon while Giga Chikadze (red gloves) fights David Onama (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | William Purnell-Imagn Images

UFC history was made Monday, as the promotion signed a seven-year deal worth $7.7 billion for its events to air on Paramount+ beginning next year.

This isn't just any cookie-cutter deal for the MMA leader, however. It's historic for the U.S. TV audience. As long as a consumer is subscribed to Paramount Plus for $12.99 a month, every event will be accessible to everyone (which eliminates the need for pay-per-view in the U.S).

Executive Chair and CEO of TKO, Ari Emmanuel, said the deal is a game-changer for the overall growth of the sport and the accessibility to its fan base.

UFC, TKO Release Huge CBS-Paramount Announcement

The UFC released a statement detailing the new dea
Jun 29, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; UFC CEO and president Dana White during UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“This is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset," Emmanuel said in a statement.

Emmanuel added that TKO's synergy with the UFC is all about growth, which is what Paramount expects to provide.

"Our decade-long journey with UFC has been defined by continuous growth and expansion, and this agreement is an important realization of our strategy," Emmanuel added. "We believe wholeheartedly in David’s vision and look forward to being in business with a company that will prioritize technology as a means to enhance storytelling and the overall viewing experience.”

'X' (formerly Twitter) appears ecstatic over the deal, especially considering how many people were displeased with the UFC's streaming issues with ESPN+.

READ MORE: UFC secures landmark deal with Paramount, abolishing PPVs in 2026

The UFC Joins The NFL on CBS

CBS becomes the new home for UF
Feb 4, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Super Bowl 58 numerals and CBS Sports logo at the Bellagio fountains on the Las Vegas strip. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Check out some of Twitter's best reactions related to the landmark agreement.

"It's record-breaking on so many levels ... you wanna talk about a time and place when this sport has an opportunity to get elevated even more," Brian Campbell said.

"CBS is in almost every household in America. This is a recipe for the UFC finally building some major stars again in America."

"Also means Conor McGregor’s return next summer if it happens is on free TV in the US. Ginormous, but wonder how it affects his cheque?" Bloody Elbow's Donagh Corby wrote.

"Fans in the US will have access to all UFC content without a Pay-Per-View model, making it more affordable and accessible to view the greatest fights on a massive platform."

"Wow, UFC leaves ESPN for Paramount+ and doubles its money per year in process. Huge win for new Skydance/Paramount company. Big loss for ESPN streaming. Add another streamer to sports fan cost," OutKick's Clay Travis wrote.

The UFC remains with ESPN through the end of the year before fully making the switch over to CBS.

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Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer & columnist for Gameday Media's MMA Knockout, expanding his portfolio as a Staff Writer for Dallas Wings On SI with previous in-network contributions around the echosystem. Outside of covering fights, Bando's background includes Big Ten football and men's basketball with leans toward Illinois and Northwestern with a broader league view for bylines including The Sporting News, FanSided, Men's Journal and others since 2019. Bando can be reached at zainbando99@gmail.com or via his social media accounts @zainbando99.

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