Paramount+'s Subscriber Count Rapidly Growing Due to UFC Agreement
In a significant move for Paramount, the media giant has signed a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with UFC, marking a new era for combat sports in the United States [1][3][4]. This deal grants Paramount exclusive U.S. media rights to all UFC events, including 13 marquee numbered pay-per-view (PPV) fights and 30 Fight Nights annually.
With this agreement, the traditional UFC PPV model in the U.S. comes to an end [1]. All UFC events will now stream on Paramount+, with select major events simulcast on CBS broadcast TV, providing a blend of digital streaming and traditional TV exposure for a wider audience reach [3][4].
The new model eliminates the high PPV fees that hardcore UFC fans previously paid. Paramount+ will offer UFC content for a monthly subscription of $7.99 with ads or $12.99 ad-free, reducing the annual cost for dedicated fans from over $1,200 to under $156—a savings of more than $1,000 [1].
This deal represents a high-risk, high-reward bet for Paramount+. The platform aims to leverage UFC’s nearly 43 annual live events as anchor content to reposition itself as a top live sports streaming destination, targeting the 100 million U.S. UFC fans [2][4]. This strategic move positions Paramount+ as a formidable competitor among giants like ESPN, Netflix, and Disney+.
The deal more than doubles UFC’s annual media revenue compared to ESPN’s prior contract, amounting to approximately $1.1 billion per year [2]. However, Paramount faces risks in balancing subscriber growth, average revenue per user (ARPU), and profitability against streaming costs. Success could push Paramount+ into the top three streaming services by 2030 due to UFC's global appeal and live-event engagement [2].
The agreement also marks a significant shift in sports media economics by phasing out the PPV model in favor of an all-inclusive streaming subscription bundled with occasional broadcast [4]. This deal signifies a transformative moment in the digital entertainment landscape, lowering costs for UFC fans, expanding UFC’s audience, and redefining Paramount+ as a major live sports streaming competitor.
Key figures in the new entity include Andy Gordon, who serves as chief strategy officer and COO, and Jeff Shell, who oversees day-to-day operations as president [2]. The deal was facilitated by the merger between Paramount and Skydance for $8.4 billion [6].
As the UFC deal extends from 2026 through 2032, the industry and digital shift continues to reshape how combat sports content is monetized and consumed. The new Paramount entity, now entering the David Ellison era, is poised to make a significant impact in the evolving digital entertainment landscape.
[1] CNBC. (2025, July 1). Paramount+ to stream UFC fights, ending traditional pay-per-view model in the U.S. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/01/paramount-to-stream-ufc-fights-ending-traditional-pay-per-view-model-in-the-us.html
[2] The Hollywood Reporter. (2025, July 1). Paramount+ Inks Seven-Year, $7.7 Billion Deal for UFC Rights. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/media/paramount-ufc-deal-1235151465/
[3] Variety. (2025, July 1). Paramount+ to Stream UFC Fights, Ending Traditional Pay-Per-View Model in the U.S. Variety. https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/paramount-ufc-streaming-deal-1235212697/
[4] Deadline. (2025, July 1). Paramount+ To Stream UFC Fights, Ending Traditional Pay-Per-View Model In The U.S. Deadline. https://deadline.com/2025/07/paramount-streaming-ufc-deal-1235213846/
[6] The Wall Street Journal. (2025, June 30). Paramount Merges With Skydance in $8.4 Billion Deal. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/paramount-merges-with-skydance-in-8-4-billion-deal-11632915000
- The shift in sports media economics resulting from the UFC deal, which phased out the traditional PPV model in favor of an all-inclusive streaming subscription, presents an opportunity for technology to play a significant role in telecasting UFC events via Paramount+.
- In the intersection of finance, business, technology, and sports, the strategic move of Paramount+, with the acquisition of UFC rights, redefines the digital entertainment landscape while targeting a broader audience with a blend of digital streaming and traditional TV exposure.
