10:10 AM EDT, 08/11/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Paramount (PSKY) will become the exclusive distributor of UFC's fighting events in the US under a $7.7 billion media rights deal with TKO Group ( TKO ) , the companies said Monday.

The seven-year agreement, which kicks off in 2026 with an average annual value of $1.1 billion, covers the full slate of 13 marquee events and 30 Fight Nights of UFC, one of the brands owned by sports and entertainment company TKO.

All UFC events will be streamed in the US via Paramount+, with select events to be simulcast on CBS, according to a joint statement.

"Rarely do opportunities arise to partner on an exclusive basis with a global sports powerhouse like UFC," Paramount Chief Executive David Ellison said. "We look forward to delivering this premium content to millions of fans in the US, and potentially beyond."

The deal comes days after Paramount Global and Skydance Media completed their merger, with the combined company now known as Paramount, a Skydance Corporation.

Share of TKO were up 4.2% intraday Monday, while Paramount shares rose 1.7%.

UFC will transition from its current pay-per-view model, a move the companies said will make UFC events more accessible to sports fans and drive further subscriber growth for Paramount+.

"This is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset," said TKO CEO Ariel Emanuel. "We believe wholeheartedly in David's vision and look forward to being in business with a company that will prioritize technology as a means to enhance storytelling and the overall viewing experience."

With about 43 live events every year, UFC has a US fan base of around 100 million and programs reaching nearly 950 million households globally, according to the statement.

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