UFC combat at the White House is on the horizon, as per Dana White's assertion
UFC Announces Historic Seven-Year, $7.7 Billion Deal with Paramount
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has signed a groundbreaking seven-year media-rights deal with Paramount, worth an average of $1.1 billion per year, starting in 2026. This marks a significant shift in UFC's distribution strategy, moving from pay-per-view to streaming, potentially broadening the fan base and increasing viewership.
Under the terms of the deal, Paramount+ will become the exclusive distributor of all UFC content in the U.S., including 13 annual numbered events and 30 Fight Nights. Some numbered events will also be simulcast on CBS, Paramount's broadcast network. This move eliminates the need for U.S. fans to purchase numbered UFC events via pay-per-view, making the fights more affordable and accessible on a massive platform.
UFC President Dana White described Skydance and Paramount as "brilliant businessmen, aggressive risk-takers, and kindred spirits" during contract negotiations. White met with Skydance CEO David Ellison and was impressed with Ellison's vision for UFC.
The deal comes after Skydance and Paramount officially closed their $8 billion merger. Paramount also intends to explore UFC rights outside the U.S. in the future. All UFC content will be available on Paramount+, which costs between $7.99 and $12.99 a month, rather than various pay-per-view fees.
The 10 p.m. start time for pay-per-view events on CBS may not stand for all cards under this new deal. UFC matchmakers are meeting this week to shape the debut Paramount card, with the main event for the potential White House fight night yet to be discussed.
While the traditional pay-per-view model may not be dead, White aims to rewrite the pecking order in popularity and riches, with the goal of becoming the number one in all sports. The UFC has partnerships with Saudi Arabia for a new boxing venture that starts next year, which may use a pay-per-view home.
White is also part of the promotional team for the Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford fight in September, which airs on Netflix. The UFC is considering finding new homes for "The Ultimate Fighter," "Road To UFC," and "Dana White's Contender Series."
Jake Paul, a boxer, has stated that the decline in pay-per-view buys should give fighters a clearer picture of their worth. However, White believes that the traditional pay-per-view model is not dead.
Donald Trump expressed interest in hosting a UFC match on the White House grounds to celebrate 250 years of American independence. Dana White is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump on August 28 to discuss logistics for this potential Fourth of July fight card at the White House in 2022.
As the UFC's archival footage needs a new home once the ESPN deal expires, this deal with Paramount offers a promising future for the organisation, further solidifying its position among major global sports leagues.
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