Paramount Expands UFC Streaming Rights to Latin America and Australia
Paramount has announced an expansion of its media rights agreement with the UFC, adding streaming rights for Paramount+ in Latin America and Australia starting in 2024. This development comes just months before the service officially begins streaming UFC content in the United States under a previously established deal.
In August 2023, Paramount secured a substantial seven-year agreement worth $7.7 billion for exclusive U.S. streaming rights, which encompasses all UFC Fight Nights and major numbered events on Paramount+. Some select fights will also be available on CBS. The newly announced deal broadens this arrangement by including 13 marquee numbered events and 30 UFC Fight Nights for Latin America, particularly focusing on countries like Brazil, which is home to numerous high-profile fighters. The agreement for Australia covers all 30 Fight Nights, along with the prelims for the marquee numbered events.
Currently, Foxtel holds the pay-per-view rights for major events in Australia, but this new partnership with Paramount is set to increase UFC’s visibility in the region. In addition to the UFC rights, TKO Group Holdings, which owns UFC, recently reached a separate agreement with Paramount for its boxing venture, Zuffa Boxing, which will also be streamed on Paramount+ and featured on CBS.
The UFC has been experiencing significant growth in both the United States and internationally. According to Dana White, President and CEO of UFC, the partnership with Paramount has already proven fruitful, with expectations for further expansion. “The partnership with Paramount has already been incredible and it just keeps getting bigger and better,” White stated. “They are now taking on new territories like Latin America and Australia, and this thing is just going to continue to grow.”
Cindy Holland, Chair of Direct-to-Consumer at Paramount, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering premium UFC content on a global scale. “Delivering premium UFC programming to audiences on a global scale remains a top priority for Paramount,” she said. “We are thrilled to expand upon the historic offering of UFC content for Paramount+ subscribers across all plans to more passionate and engaged fans around the world.”
As Paramount prepares to launch its expanded UFC offerings, the move highlights the increasing demand for mixed martial arts and the potential for growth in new markets. The partnership not only enhances Paramount’s content library but also positions it strategically in the competitive streaming landscape.
