Zuffa Boxing Secures Media Partnership with Paramount+ and CBS

, or for the details
Zuffa Boxing: The Next Chapter in Combat Sports

The landscape of combat sports is poised for a significant shift as Paramount and TKO Group Holdings have revealed a long-term media rights deal to launch zuffa Boxing in 2026. This new promotion, a collaboration between TKO and Saudi Arabian entertainment giant Sela, will bring boxing content to Paramount+ and CBS. The announcement closely follows a similar agreement for the UFC, also owned by TKO, securing its future on the same platforms.

Zuffa Boxing, conceptualized in March, is spearheaded by UFC CEO Dana White, WWE President Nick Khan, and Turki alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, plans to host 12 events for audiences in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. While specific financial details remain undisclosed, the deal signals a substantial investment in the future of professional boxing.

“I’m excited to bring grate boxing events to a global audience,” said White, anticipating wider accessibility to competitive fights featuring both rising stars and established champions. The partnership aims to capitalize on the substantial fanbase surrounding combat sports.

The unofficial debut of Zuffa Boxing occurred earlier in September, with Alalshikh and White co-promoting a high-profile superfight between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez, broadcast on netflix. This event served as a prelude to the larger ambitions, and what is to come.

Dana White, a lifelong boxing enthusiast, intends to replicate the success he achieved in building the UFC over the past decade. as taking the helm of the UFC in 2011 alongside Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta,he implemented an approach that prioritized fan experience and consistent,compelling matchups. “Basically, as a boxing fan, the way the UFC was built was all of the things I loved about boxing and [none] of the things I hated about boxing,” White said in a CBS interview.

Zuffa Boxing is currently focused on acquiring talent, with plans for full incorporation of female athletes into the roster. the promotion intends to establish its own championship titles, diverging from the conventional sanctioning bodies-WBA, WBO, WBC, and IBF-that have historically influenced matchmaking in boxing. This strategy mirrors the UFC’s model of exclusive control over fighter contracts and event scheduling. Only time will determine just how dramatically this new venture will reshape the sport’s established world.

How could Zuffa Boxing’s partnership with Paramount+ and CBS disrupt the existing pay-per-view model in boxing?

Zuffa Boxing Secures Landmark Media Partnership with Paramount+ and CBS

The Deal: A New Era for Professional Boxing

Zuffa Boxing, the venture spearheaded by Endeavor and aiming to revolutionize the sport of professional boxing, has announced a important media rights partnership with Paramount+ and CBS. This multi-year agreement, finalized in late September 2025, marks a pivotal moment for the organization and the future of boxing broadcasting.The deal encompasses exclusive live streaming of Zuffa Boxing events on Paramount+, alongside select event broadcasts on CBS, bringing the sport to a wider audience then ever before. This partnership is expected to significantly impact boxing viewership and revenue streams.

Key Terms and Financial Implications

while specific financial details remain undisclosed, industry analysts estimate the deal to be worth upwards of $500 million over its duration. this significant investment underscores the confidence Paramount Global has in zuffa Boxing’s vision for the sport.

* Paramount+ Exclusive Streaming: The majority of Zuffa Boxing events will be exclusively available to Paramount+ subscribers, driving subscriptions and engagement for the streaming service.

* CBS Select Broadcasts: High-profile fights will be aired on CBS, leveraging the network’s reach to attract a broader, mainstream audience.

* International Rights: The agreement also includes provisions for international distribution, expanding Zuffa Boxing’s global footprint.

* Revenue Sharing: A tiered revenue-sharing model is reportedly in place, incentivizing both Zuffa Boxing and Paramount+ to maximize event success.

This deal represents a significant shift in how boxing is televised, moving away from customary pay-per-view models towards a subscription-based streaming format.

What This Means for Boxing Fans

The partnership promises several benefits for boxing enthusiasts:

* Increased Accessibility: Paramount+’s relatively affordable subscription price makes Zuffa Boxing events more accessible than expensive pay-per-view options.

* Consistent Scheduling: Zuffa Boxing aims to establish a regular, predictable fight schedule, eliminating the frustrating delays frequently enough associated with boxing event planning.

* Enhanced Production Value: Endeavor’s expertise in event production, demonstrated through its ownership of the UFC, is expected to translate into a higher-quality viewing experience. Expect improved camera angles, graphics, and in-fight analysis.

* Focus on Fighter Advancement: Zuffa Boxing’s stated goal is to nurture and promote emerging talent, leading to a more competitive and exciting landscape for boxing matches.

Zuffa Boxing’s Strategy: Disrupting the status Quo

Zuffa Boxing’s entry into the boxing world has been met with both excitement and skepticism. The organization aims to address several long-standing issues plaguing the sport, including:

* Fragmented Landscape: The boxing world is notoriously fractured, with multiple sanctioning bodies and promotional companies often hindering the creation of the most compelling matchups.Zuffa Boxing intends to streamline the process and prioritize fan-friendly fights.

* Lack of Clarity: Concerns about judging, officiating, and promotional practices have eroded public trust in boxing. Zuffa Boxing promises greater transparency and accountability.

* Inconsistent Fighter Pay: Fighters often struggle to receive fair compensation for their skills and risks. Zuffa Boxing aims to implement a more equitable revenue-sharing model.

The partnership with Paramount+ and CBS is a crucial step in realizing this vision.By securing a stable and reliable broadcasting partner, Zuffa Boxing can focus on building a sustainable and thriving boxing league.

The Impact on Existing Boxing Promotions

The emergence of Zuffa Boxing and its media deal pose a significant challenge to established promotional companies like Top Rank, PBC (Premier Boxing Champions), and Matchroom Boxing. These organizations will need to adapt to the changing landscape and find ways to compete with Zuffa Boxing’s new model.

* Increased Competition: The addition of zuffa Boxing will intensify competition for top fighters and broadcasting slots.

* Pressure to Innovate: Existing promotions might potentially be forced to re-evaluate their strategies and invest in new technologies and marketing approaches.

* Potential Consolidation: Some industry observers predict that the increased competition could lead to consolidation within the boxing promotional landscape.

Looking ahead: The Future of Boxing Broadcasting

The Zuffa Boxing-Paramount+ deal is likely to have a ripple effect throughout the boxing industry.It signals a broader trend towards streaming-based sports broadcasting and a growing demand for more accessible and fan-friendly content. The success of this partnership will be closely watched by other sports leagues and media companies as thay navigate the evolving media landscape. Live sports streaming is becoming increasingly dominant, and this deal solidifies that trend within the world of boxing. Boxing news and analysis will undoubtedly focus on Zuffa Boxing’s progress and its impact on the sport.