Beginning January 2026, Paramount+ will be the exclusive U.S. home of all UFC events under a seven-year, ~$7.7B media-rights deal. The PPV model ends in the U.S.: the 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights each year are included with a Paramount+ subscription, with select numbered cards simulcast on CBS. Through Dec 31, 2025, UFC PPVs remain on ESPN+. ReutersESPN.com CBSSports.com
What exactly changed
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No more paying $79.99 per PPV on ESPN+ in the U.S. from 2026 onward; everything moves into the Paramount+ subscription. ESPN Fan Support
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Coverage scope: 43 events/year (13 numbered + 30 Fight Nights) live on Paramount+; some numbered shows also air on CBS. CBSSports.com
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When it starts: the Paramount+ deal kicks in 2026; 2025 stays the same (ESPN+/PPV in the U.S.). ESPN.com
Price comparison (U.S.)
| Model | Monthly sub | Extra PPV fee | Typical cost to watch 1 numbered event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old (ESPN+) | $11.99 (ESPN+) | $79.99 per PPV | ≈ $92 total |
| New (Paramount+, 2026 →) | $7.99 (Essential) / $12.99 (Premium) | $0 | $7.99–$12.99 |
Sources: ESPN support pages for current PPV pricing; Paramount+ current plan rates. ESPN Fan Support Paramount+
U.S. fans go from ~$92 for a single numbered card to just the monthly Paramount+ fee.
What’s included on Paramount+ (U.S.)
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All live UFC events (numbered + Fight Night) with no PPV surcharge.
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Select numbered events simulcast on CBS (free-to-air in the U.S.). CBSSports.com
Outside the U.S.: does anything change?
Not yet. This deal is U.S.-only. International rights remain with each region’s partners for now; expect updates market by market as contracts roll. Sportsnet.ca
Fan FAQ
Is PPV really gone?
In the U.S., yes—from 2026 forward, numbered events won’t require a one-off PPV payment; they’re part of Paramount+. Reuters
Will Paramount+ raise prices when UFC arrives?
Paramount+ lists current plans at $7.99 / $12.99. Any tier changes for 2026 haven’t been announced. Paramount+
What about CBS broadcasts?
Paramount says select numbered events will run on CBS alongside Paramount+ streaming; full simulcast details will be revealed closer to 2026. Reuters
What happens in 2025?
Status quo: ESPN+ and PPV pricing in the U.S. remains in place through year-end. ESPN.com
Why this matters
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Massive price drop for U.S. viewers vs. the PPV era, lowering the barrier to watch numbered cards. ESPN Fan Support
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Bigger reach thanks to the CBS window plus Paramount+ distribution. CBSSports.com
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Strategic shift by TKO/Paramount following the Skydance–Paramount deal, betting on live sports to drive subscriptions and engagement. Variety Australia
The UFC’s PPV era in the U.S. ends in 2026. For American fans, that means far cheaper access and occasional CBS broadcasts. For everyone else, keep an eye on your country’s rights holder—international changes will be announced separately.