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UFC Just Killed PPV In The U.S. — Here’s What It Means For Everyone
For the first time since the UFC broke into the mainstream, fans in the United States won’t have to shell out money every time a numbered card rolls around. With its new seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal with Paramount+ and CBS, the promotion’s pay-per-view (PPV) model will be a thing of the past starting next year.
According to the agreement, which takes effect in 2026, UFC events will no longer require fans to purchase individual fights or cards. Instead, viewers can opt for a monthly subscription service, which includes access to all numbered events, along with other content. At $12.99 without ads, this change is expected to fundamentally alter how the sport is consumed and its biggest stars are made and marketed.
Prior to this shift, UFC’s PPV pricing has been a gatekeeper for casual fans. Hardcore enthusiasts like myself may still choose to pay for every card, but millions of potential viewers would often opt-out unless a high-profile bout had crossover appeal. Without that barrier in place, Paramount+ might be able to bring back something the UFC hasn’t had since the Spike TV era: spontaneous, low-effort discovery.
In this new landscape, UFC CEO Dana White and the promotion have an opportunity to leverage social media platforms to create a buzz around upcoming fights. The real winners of this deal may not necessarily be the top fighters on the main card but rather those attempting to break through the ranks. A Fight Night co-main event that previously lived behind ESPN+’s paywall will now be just one click away for millions of Paramount+ subscribers – and sometimes free on CBS.
Source: www.forbes.com
