The fight game just had its biggest mic-drop moment in years. UFC President Dana White landed a seven-year, $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount and CBS, a move that instantly changes the way fans watch fights in the U.S.
Starting in 2026, the UFC will retire the old pay-per-view model in America, putting every card on Paramount+, with the biggest showdowns airing live on CBS. Translation? No more $80 PPV bills, no more scrambling for streaming links; just wall-to-wall Octagon action under one roof.
White admitted he didn’t expect to end up at Paramount, telling The Pat McAfee Show. “No, I didn’t think this is where we’d end up, but this is sort of how it played out. I love it.” He added that Paramount’s aggressive push came right at the finish line: “Last minute, these guys came in and said, ‘We don’t want to share. We want it all,” – MMAFighting
TKO Group President Mark Shapiro called the old PPV system “outdated” and described the new deal as a “one-stop shop” for fans; sentiments echoed by viewers long tired of juggling subscriptions and fight-night fees, he told Fox Business.
In an official statement carried by Fox Business, White framed the deal as a win for everyone:
“This historic deal with Paramount and CBS is incredible for UFC fans and our athletes. 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 the Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a huge win for our athletes and anyone who watches and loves this sport.” – Dana White on Instragam
And just when the sports world was catching its breath, White dropped another bombshell: the UFC fight card on the White House South Lawn will be happening on July 4, 2026, America’s 250th birthday. “We’re talking about doing a fight at the White House next year on the 4th of July, the 250th anniversary of America,” White told MMAFighting– a move confirmed by AP News to be “absolutely” happening.
From Las Vegas to the South Lawn, the Octagon’s never had this much real estate, and Dana White’s holding the deed.
