Dana White confirms UFC has signed a billion-dollar deal that ends pay-per-view in the US

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The UFC is moving away from pay-per-view in the US after Dana White announced a new broadcast deal worth over a billion dollars.

Historically, the UFC has relied on pay-per-view for its biggest events, with more than 318 shows sold through that model. But starting in 2026, a partnership with Paramount and CBS will change how fans access fights, ending the long-running pay-per-view approach.

White shared the news on social media following an article from the New York Times. The promotion will be leaving ESPN at the end of this year, closing out one chapter and opening another.

UFC signs $7.7 billion deal with CBS and Paramount

Dana White has confirmed that the UFC’s new broadcast deal with CBS and Paramount is worth $7.7 billion over seven years, though international rights are not currently affected.

White shared his thoughts on the move in a statement posted to social media:

“This historic deal with Paramount and CBS is incredible for UFC fans and our athletes. For the first time ever, 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.

“This deal puts UFC amongst the biggest sports in the world. The exposure provided by the Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a huge win for our athletes and anyone who watches and loves this sport.”

TKO Group’s President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro also commented on the change during an interview with CNBC:

“The pay-per-view model is a thing of the past. What’s on pay-per-view anymore? Boxing? Movies on DirecTV? It’s an outdated, antiquated model.

Shapiro continued: “So, it was paramount to us – forgive the pun – where it’s one-stop shopping, especially for our younger fans in flyover states.

“When they find out, ‘Wait, if I just sign up for Paramount+ for $12.99 a month, I’m going to automatically get UFC’s numbered fights and the rest of the portfolio?’ That’s a message we want to amplify.”

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UFC moves away from pay-per-view model in the US

Starting in 2026, Paramount will broadcast the UFC’s full line-up of 13 major events, which were previously known as pay-per-views. These events are now referred to as ‘Premium Live Events’, a term already used by TKO Group’s WWE. In addition, Paramount will air 30 Fight Nights from across the globe.

Paramount+ will serve as the main platform for viewing fights, with select events also simulcast on CBS. The service currently costs $8 per month, or $13 for the ad-free version, which includes SHOWTIME.

Over the past seven years, UFC pay-per-views have been available through ESPN’s ESPN+ platform, which has faced its share of criticism. With this new deal, no additional fees will be charged beyond the standard Paramount+ subscription.

The financial terms are significant too: UFC is set to more than double its earnings compared to its previous agreement with ESPN. While the average annual payout is reported to be $1.1 billion over seven years, CNBC notes that payments will start lower and increase over time.