Paramount+ Secures UFC Broadcast Rights in Historic $7.7 Billion Deal
Source: news.source.channelnewsasia
Paramount has secured exclusive U.S. broadcast rights for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in a landmark $7.7 billion deal spanning seven years. This strategic acquisition, announced shortly after Paramount's merger with Skydance, will see UFC's 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights streamed on Paramount+ starting next year. Additionally, select events will be simulcast on CBS, shifting away from the traditional pay-per-view model to enhance viewer access.
Key Points
Paramount has finalized a $7.7 billion deal with UFC for exclusive U.S. broadcast rights for seven years.
The deal was announced soon after Paramount's merger with Skydance, marking a significant strategic move.
Starting next year, Paramount+ will stream all 13 UFC numbered events and 30 Fight Nights.
Select events will also be simulcast on CBS, moving away from the pay-per-view model.
The agreement aims to leverage live sports to drive subscriber growth amid the trend of cord-cutting.
Paramount's CEO David Ellison emphasized the importance of high-quality exclusive content for subscriber growth.
UFC's broad appeal and young, diverse audience demographics made the bidding highly competitive.
