The end of sports’ pay-per-view era has officially begun. The UFC’s latest move to cut ties with ESPN+ and switch to Paramount+ is a clear indication that distributors are shifting their focus towards monthly subscription-based models. This shift marks the demise of pay-per-view events, which once dominated the sports TV landscape.
Prior to this deal, fans would have to pay $80 per event to access UFC matches. However, with the new seven-year/$7.7 billion agreement with Paramount+, subscribers will get access to all UFC events for just $8-$13 per month, depending on the ad-free or ad-supported option.
This move is part of a broader trend in the sports industry, with ESPN recently announcing a deal with WWE to make its premium live events part of their new direct-to-consumer service. The NFL also faces ongoing legal battles related to pay-per-view and streaming rights.
While event-based programming remains popular, distributors are now opting for more sustainable monthly subscription models. This shift is driven by strategic imperatives, such as increasing consumer retention rates and generating higher revenue streams.
The UFC’s move will likely have a ripple effect throughout the sports industry, with other companies like AEW remaining in the pay-per-view business. However, it appears that the model is on its way out, replaced by more modern subscription-based models.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6551363/2025/08/13/pay-per-view-ufc-paramount-espn-wwe-moneycall