Paramount acquires UFC rights for $7.7 billion to boost streaming

NEW YORK: Paramount has acquired the exclusive rights to show all events from the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the US over the next seven years, the companies announced Monday, a $7.7 billion deal designed to boost the Paramount+ streaming service.

Paramount will offer the UFC's 13 marquee events and 30 additional fight nights on its streaming service, while also showing select events on the CBS broadcast network, starting next year. UFC's marquee events are typically numbered and feature title matches with top fighters, while fight nights usually involve up-and-comers or less prominent matchups.

Paramount said it's paying an average of $1.1 billion a year and will explore buying international rights in the future as they become available. David Ellison has wasted no time putting his stamp on Paramount since closing his deal to acquire control of the company last week.