Landmark Celebration Planned for US Semiquincentennial
UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed plans for a historic fight card on the White House South Lawn to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. White will travel to Washington later this month to meet with President Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump to discuss logistics for the proposed Fourth of July event, which could host up to 20,000 spectators and air live on CBS. “It’s absolutely going to happen,” White said, framing the occasion as a one-of-a-kind spectacle for mixed martial arts.
Paramount Secures UFC Rights in Record-Breaking Deal
The announcement comes just hours after UFC finalized a record $1.1 billion per year, seven-year media rights agreement with Paramount, set to begin in 2026. The deal will place all UFC events on Paramount’s streaming platform, Paramount+, with select major cards simulcast on CBS. The contract doubles the annual value of UFC’s current rights with ESPN and positions Paramount as a central hub for the promotion’s global content. The agreement also aligns with Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance, whose CEO David Ellison will now lead the company. White praised Ellison’s business approach, calling him a “brilliant, aggressive risk taker” aligned with UFC’s vision.
Shift in Viewing Model and Global Expansion Plans
Under the new deal, UFC fans will have access to all events through Paramount+, eliminating traditional pay-per-view fees for most cards. While some pay-per-view events will remain until the ESPN contract expires, the shift represents a significant change in the distribution model. Paramount has also signaled interest in securing UFC rights outside the United States when they become available. White noted that matchmaking is already underway for the first Paramount card, though details about a potential main event for the White House fight are still under wraps.
Implications for Fighters and the Sport’s Future
The expanded rights deal is expected to impact fighter compensation significantly. White stated that each new contract has historically increased pay, and the latest agreement will be no exception. While critics like boxer Jake Paul argue that the end of the traditional pay-per-view model should give fighters greater leverage, White dismissed suggestions that pay-per-view is obsolete. UFC still plans to host major PPV events and is exploring additional ventures, including a new boxing project with Saudi Arabia. Looking ahead, White says UFC aims not just to remain the world’s leading combat sports brand but to challenge the NFL, NBA, and global soccer for the top spot in all sports.