Hold onto your remotes—because a major shake-up is hitting Paramount+ in 2026, and it might just leave you questioning if the thrill is worth the extra cash. With the UFC making its grand debut on the platform starting in January, subscribers could soon face higher prices as part of the deal. But here’s where it gets controversial: are these increases justified by the new content, or is it just another way for streaming giants to squeeze more from our pockets? Let’s dive in and unpack the details, making sure even newcomers to the mixed martial arts world can follow along.
In a letter to investors last Monday, Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison unveiled the plan for a price bump set to roll out in the first quarter of 2026. While the exact dollar figures remain under wraps for now, Ellison emphasized that these adjustments are all about boosting the overall value for viewers. Currently, Paramount+ offers an essential plan with ads at $7.99 per month or $59.99 for an annual subscription, and a premium ad-free option (excluding live TV) at $12.99 monthly or $119.99 yearly. Think of these tiers like choosing between a budget-friendly movie night with commercials or a premium cinema experience—each tailored to different viewing preferences.
‘Our continuous efforts to build up Paramount+ are directly improving what we offer to our audience,’ Ellison explained in the letter. ‘To keep funding these enhancements, we’re introducing price increases in the U.S. at the start of 2026, alongside recent announcements for adjustments in Canada and Australia. These updates will support further investments in user experience and bring an even more impressive lineup of shows and events for our subscribers going forward.’ It’s a classic business move: invest more to get better, but that often means asking customers to pay up. For beginners, this is similar to how a gym might raise membership fees after adding top-tier equipment—everyone benefits, but not without a financial hit.
At the heart of this change is a colossal agreement with the UFC, valued at a staggering $7.7 billion over seven years. This deal shifts the entire UFC programming catalog to Paramount+ once their existing ESPN contract wraps up in 2026. And here’s the game-changer: every UFC event, including those numbered pay-per-view spectacles that fans used to pay extra for, will now be available exclusively on Paramount+ without any added fees beyond the standard subscription cost. For those unfamiliar, pay-per-view events are like special live broadcasts of major fights that traditionally required an extra purchase—think of it as buying a ticket to a blockbuster concert on top of your streaming service pass. By ditching this ‘double paywall,’ as Ellison called it, the UFC is becoming incredibly accessible, potentially drawing in millions of new viewers.
‘Eliminating that extra pay-per-view barrier—which has long been a hurdle for UFC enthusiasts—means premium events are open to all Paramount+ subscribers at no extra charge,’ Ellison noted. ‘We’re thrilled to provide this outstanding deal, especially since the annual cost of Paramount+ is now cheaper than just one UFC pay-per-view event from the old setup. We’re optimistic that this improved access will spark a surge in new subscribers and deeper platform interaction, benefiting both us and the UFC in the long run.’ Imagine this: instead of shelling out $50–$100 for a single big fight, you get unlimited access to all of them for the price of a year-long subscription. It’s a value proposition that’s hard to ignore, but some fans might wonder if the quality of the viewing experience matches the hype.
During an investor earnings call, Paramount executives pointed out a clever strategy: the UFC operates as a year-round sport with no downtime, making it a prime asset for keeping subscribers hooked. They mentioned how, after events like the Masters golf tournament or the NFL season kick off, Paramount+ sees some users drop off. The UFC, with its constant stream of fights and events, aims to fill that gap, ensuring steady engagement month after month. For example, while baseball has off-seasons, the UFC keeps the adrenaline pumping with regular broadcasts, potentially turning casual viewers into loyal fans.
And this is the part most people miss: the deal extends beyond just UFC fights. Paramount+ is also welcoming Zuffa Boxing to the fold in 2026, a new venture led by UFC boss Dana White and WWE executive Nick Khan, backed by funding from Saudi Arabia. This partnership aims to deliver a barrage of boxing events annually, positioning Paramount+ as the ultimate hub for combat sports in the U.S., Latin America, and Australia. Ellison raved about it on the call: ‘We couldn’t be more pumped about teaming up with TKO, Dana White, and the UFC—and let’s not forget Zuffa Boxing. These collaborations solidify Paramount+ as the go-to spot for combat entertainment. The UFC stands out as the biggest sport not fragmented across multiple platforms; it’s a rare gem. We believe it’ll fuel massive subscriber gains and interaction on Paramount+, plus some UFC content will cross over to CBS, amplifying the reach.’
He added that the UFC boasts around 100 million fans in the U.S. alone, with a 25% growth since 2019, despite being hidden behind that old pay-per-view barrier. ‘By removing the double paywall, accessibility soars, and we expect even faster growth,’ Ellison said. ‘Plus, subscribers get tremendous value: for the cost of roughly one pay-per-view event, they unlock everything UFC has to offer on Paramount+.’ This setup could democratize fight sports, but it raises eyebrows about the Saudi involvement—funding from a nation often criticized for human rights issues. Is this just smart business, or does it blur ethical lines? Viewers might debate whether supporting such partnerships aligns with their values.
Since merging with Paramount and aligning with Skydance, Ellison has consistently championed content as the key to success. Beyond the UFC and Zuffa Boxing, they’ve secured big deals with the creators of South Park and the Duffer brothers behind Stranger Things. ‘We clearly need to pour more into content creation,’ Ellison stated. ‘Bringing in something as dynamic as the UFC will boost platform activity, attract new subscribers, and we’re hugely confident in this investment.’ It’s a strategy that’s all about quality over quantity, turning Paramount+ into a must-have destination for sports, comedy, and sci-fi fans alike.
In wrapping up, the UFC’s move to Paramount+ promises exciting times ahead, but with prices on the rise, it’s sparking heated discussions about affordability versus access. Is the elimination of pay-per-view barriers a win for fans, or just a sneaky way to justify higher fees? And what about the Saudi-backed boxing venture—does it enhance the platform’s appeal, or introduce uncomfortable controversies? We’d love to hear your take: Do you think these changes are worth the extra cost, or are streaming services overstepping? Share your thoughts in the comments—agree, disagree, or add your own twist!