The UFC has signed its biggest broadcast deal yet after agreeing a multi-year partnership with Paramount to become the exclusive home of UFC events.

On Monday, the promotion confirmed that it has agreed a seven-year deal the broadcaster for a total sum of $7.7 billion, which averages out at a colossal $1.1 billion per year.

The deal, which begins in 2026, follows the UFC’s prior arrangement with ESPN which began in 2019 and was worth a reported $450 annually.

“As part of the agreement, UFC and Paramount will move away from UFC’s existing Pay-Per-View model in favor of making these premium events available at no additional cost to the expansive U.S. subscriber base of Paramount+,” a press release jointly issued by Paramount and TKO said on Monday.

“This shift in distribution strategy will unlock greater accessibility and discoverability for sports fans and provide an important catalyst for driving engagement and further subscriber growth for Paramount+. Paramount intends to explore UFC rights outside the U.S. as they become available in the future.”

The deal also signals the end, for now at least, of the UFC’s traditional pay-per-view model which has been consistent throughout the organisation’s lifespan to date.

“This historic deal with Paramount and CBS is incredible for UFC fans and our athletes,” said Dana White. “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 Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a huge win for our athletes and anyone who watches and loves this sport.”

Per terms of the deal, events previously broadcast on PPV will now appear on Paramount+, with some numbered events also featuring on CBS. It also includes 30 Fight Night events each year.