ESPN will no longer be the home of UFC from 2026. After the promotion of Dana White has signed a breakthrough agreement on the rights of media with Paramount.

In what is settled as a changing game of mixed martial arts movement, all UFC events and nights will send live stream to Paramount+ from the beginning of the transaction, with selected seizures to CBS to free exposure.

The agreement has also been tearing out the Pay-Per-View model for a long time for US fans. For the first time in UFC history, combat cards will be available without separate PPV purchase, thanks to which sport will be more affordable and removing one of the most essential barriers for free viewership.

Impact of UFC transactions on fans and fighters

Dana White hailed the movement as a transformation moment for both warriors and fans.

“This historical agreement with Paramount and CBS is amazing for UFC fans and our athletes,” said White.

“For the first time, fans in the US will have access to all UFC content without the Pay-Per-View model, thanks to which it is more affordable and available to watch the biggest fights on a huge platform.

“This agreement puts UFC among the largest sports in the world. The exhibition provided by the Paramount and CBS networks in this novel structure is a huge win for our athletes and anyone who watches and loves this sport.”

End of ESPN partnership

The takeover of Paramount ends with the exclusive ESPN stop in the UFC transmission, which began in 2019 and saw that the UFC Integration PPVS network with the ESPN+service.

From 2026, UFC will join the CBS Sports stable along with NFL, NCAA and PGA Tour, additionally strengthening its status of the mainstream sports property.

This movement will also intensify the competition in the space of streaming, with Paramount+ will now provide one of the most valuable combat sports brands.

On the basis of the evidence presented, the potential agreement in which ESPN would acquire the rights to a novel UFC -style undertaking, is also heading towards the contract with Paramount.

With the offered money, ESPN will have difficulty in landing each combat agreement, without renewing an $ 80 million agreement with the highest rank this summer.

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Phil Jay is an experienced boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. How The editor -in -chief of World Boxing News since 2010Jay has An interview with dozens of world champions was conducted AND Ring reported On the largest boxing nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] And find out more about his work in combat sports journalism.