Dana White recently revealed the UFC’s early plans for CBS following their landmark $7.7 billion media rights deal with Paramount. Starting in 2026, the UFC will move away from pay-per-view and enter a new era on Paramount+ and CBS.
According to White, the deal will make UFC events more accessible and affordable for fans. The announcement took many by surprise, as there had been little indication that the promotion would sever ties with ESPN.
During an interview with CBS Sports HQ‘s Tommy Tran, White shared details of the UFC’s big plans for CBS. As part of the Paramount deal, the UFC CEO expects to air at least four events a year on the network.
White even confirmed that one of those events will include the historic White House card on Jul. 4, 2026.
“It looking like we’re gonna do four big event a year [on CBS],” White said. “We’re talking about doing a fight at the White House next year on the Fourth of July, the 250th anniversary of America. So, imagine a massive fight on the lawn of the White House on CBS.”
Later, asked about Jon Jones and Conor McGregor potentially coming back.
Dana White Promises Big Events Under New Paramount Rights Deal
White also made it clear that the UFC will continue delivering high-quality events, despite the broadcasting shift.
The deal with Paramount marks a significant shift from the UFC’s long-standing pay-per-view model to a streaming model. The approach mirrors that of their TKO partners, WWE, who air their Premium Live Events on Peacock and Netflix.
Despite concerns that the UFC events might become less stacked, White reassured fans that this won’t be the case. He emphasized that the promotion’s busy schedule will continue, keeping fans satisfied with high-profile matchups.
“We basically go every Saturday. So, when you’re asking about seasons and off time, there is no off time for the UFC,” White told CBS Sports. “We’re gonna do some amazing things over the next several years with Paramount and CBS, and I’m always looking to bring in the best talent and put on the greatest fights.”
MMA Insider Reacts to Rights Deal Between White’s UFC and Paramount
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani offered his thoughts on the new deal between UFC and Paramount. On The Ariel Helwani Show, the Canadian journalist expressed his excitement about the deal and what it means for fans.
Helwani pointed out that Paramount+ subscriptions are more affordable than the previous ESPN+ pay-per-view model. Under that deal, fans had to purchase the pay-per-views separately expense from their ESPN+ subscription. Now, UFC fans can access all major events like they do other major sports.
“For the first time in the UFC’s history, they will no longer be in the pay-per-view business. The pay-per-view model is finished” Helwani said. Finally, MMA fans are being treated like NBA fans, NFL fans, MLB fans, NHL fans. The best of the best of those sports entities were never behind a paywall.”
Helwani also noted that the UFC’s pay-per-view sales had been underperforming in recent years. Still, the promotion has secured a significant increase in annual revenue.
“The UFC-Paramount deal is for seven years, $1.1 billion a year,” Helwani said. “Now you understand why they got rid of pay-per-view. They just doubled their yearly fee.”
Dana White Reveals Big CBS Plans Following $7.7 Billion Paramount Deal