Hang onto your remote if wrestling or MMA lights up your weekends, things just got wild. Paramount, freshly merged with Skydance, just grabbed UFC’s U.S. media rights in a jaw-dropping $7.7 billion, seven-year deal. Meanwhile, ESPN is pivoting hard toward WWE content. It’s like a media remake new cast, same strong drama.
What Just Happened with UFC?
Picture this: UFC pulling power moves like never before. They ditched the old pay-per-view model, and now all their marquee fights 13 “numbered” events plus 30 Fight Nights per year are headed to Paramount+ starting in 2026. Some will even land on CBS too. The idea? Stream every fight with no surprise charges just one subscription, bam.
Mark Shapiro from TKO (that’s UFC’s parent company with WWE under the same roof), says fans are getting deeper access and fighters are stepping onto a brighter stage.
ESPN’s Pivot to WWE A Smart Counterpunch
So where does ESPN go when UFC jumps ship? Turns out, right into Capoeira-style pivots they struck a deal to stream WWE blockbusters like WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam starting in 2026. It’s ESPN’s move to stay in the fight trading one powerhouse for another.
Table: Media Rights Roundup
| Property | New Media Home | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| UFC | Paramount+ / CBS | Exclusive, all events, PPV model scrapped |
| WWE Premium Shows | ESPN (DTC platform) | WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble starting 2026 |
| Former UFC Home | ESPN (until end of 2025) | Legacy relationship, now ending |
Why It Feels Like a Media Blockbuster
This isn’t just a fight for rights it’s a power-flex moment in streaming sports. UFC’s move trades scarcity (PPV) for access (all-you-can-watch buffet on Paramount+). ESPN counters with WWE’s massive fan base. It’s like watching two siblings fight for control all the drama you expect, but with streaming platforms instead of sliding doors.
What Comes Next?
Expect subscription wars! Streaming services are vying to be the go-to for live action, and this tugs fans in two directions. Will MMA fans flock to Paramount+? Will wrestling fans double-dip with ESPN? Media executives are betting big that sports real, live, adrenaline-packed will keep the rockets in streaming growth.
Conclusion
This media rights frenzy is rewriting the rules UFC’s leap to Paramount+ redefines live sports access, while ESPN’s WWE pivot keeps it relevant in the ring. Fans win with more choices, but media giants face big bets on who controls your couch.