Comparing UFC's $7.7B Paramount Deal With WWE's $1.6B ESPN Deal

In 2025, UFC signed a $7.7B, 7-year deal with Paramount and CBS, becoming exclusive to Paramount+ from 2026. WWE secured a $1.6B, 5-year streaming deal with ESPN, starting 2026 for major live events.

UFC: 13 major numbered events + 30 Fight Nights per year. Paramount+ streaming, some on CBS. – WWE: All Premium Live Events, including WrestleMania and SummerSlam. ESPN’s new streaming platform, plus simulcasts on ESPN TV.

UFC: UFC brings more events (43/year) and attracts a global, younger audience. WWE: WWE deal covers only PLEs and has fewer events each year.

Both deals mark a shift toward direct-to-consumer streaming, away from traditional TV and PPV. Raises the bar for the value of combat sports rights.

UFC: No PPV revenue sharing for fighters, but promises of increased pay. WWE: ESPN partnership could bring new cross-promotion and audience growth.

UFC’s deal is the biggest ever in fight sports media rights, giving millions new ways to watch live fights, while WWE’s ESPN move secures its status in streaming’s future.