Key Concepts:
- UFC broadcast rights deal
- Paramount Plus subscriber count
- David Ellison (Paramount CEO)
- Donald Trump's relationship with UFC
- Sky Dance Media merger
- The Late Show with Steven Coar cancellation
UFC Broadcast Rights Deal with Paramount
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has entered into a $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, granting CBS and Paramount Plus the rights to broadcast its mixed martial arts fights. This deal, commencing in 2026, will allow CBS and Paramount Plus to stream UFC's signature events, including Fight Night, for a period of 7 years.
Paramount Plus Subscriber Count and Strategy
Paramount Plus is currently lagging behind competitors like Netflix and Disney Plus in terms of subscriber count, and experienced a decline in subscribers last quarter. David Ellison, the new CEO of Paramount, aims to address this by investing resources into sports content to attract more viewers and increase subscriber numbers.
David Ellison's Background and Connections
David Ellison is the son of Oracle's billionaire co-founder, Larry Ellison. He has been observed attending UFC fights with both President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White.
Donald Trump's Relationship with UFC
Trump's association with the UFC dates back to the 2000s, when he allowed fights to be hosted at his property in Atlantic City. Dana White has publicly acknowledged Trump's support and has endorsed his presidential campaigns.
Paramount's Merger with Sky Dance Media
The announcement of the Paramount UFC deal follows closely after Paramount finalized its merger with Sky Dance Media. The merger agreement was reached in July of last year, but it wasn't approved by the FCC until July 2025.
Lawsuit Settlement with Trump
Last year, Trump sued CBS and Paramount over a 60 Minutes episode featuring Kala Harris. Paramount settled the lawsuit for $16 million.
Cancellation of "The Late Show with Steven Coar"
Paramount recently announced the cancellation of "The Late Show with Steven Coar," citing financial reasons. However, Coar, who has been critical of Trump, pointed out the timing of the cancellation announcement, which occurred shortly after the settlement with Trump, which Trump viewed as a victory.
Conclusion
The $7.7 billion UFC broadcast rights deal with Paramount represents a significant investment in sports content aimed at boosting Paramount Plus's subscriber base. The deal is intertwined with various connections, including the new CEO's background, Trump's long-standing relationship with the UFC, and recent events such as the Sky Dance Media merger and the settlement of a lawsuit with Trump. The cancellation of "The Late Show with Steven Coar" adds another layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about potential political influences on Paramount's decisions.
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