Paramount+ Increases Prices Citing UFC’s Significant Value, CEO Ellison States
Paramount+ is set to increase its subscription prices in early 2026, with the company’s CEO, David Ellison, citing the addition of UFC content as a key value proposition for subscribers. The service, which will see its monthly fees rise by $1, aims to offer a more comprehensive streaming experience for fans of combat sports.
Upcoming Price Increases for Paramount+
The new pricing structure will take effect on January 15, 2026. The ad-supported tier will increase to $8.99 per month, while the ad-free version will cost $13.99.
Value of UFC Subscription
Ellison emphasized the value of including UFC bouts at no extra charge. He noted that for the price of one pay-per-view event, subscribers can access a wide range of UFC content on Paramount+.
Significant Investment in UFC Rights
Last August, Paramount engaged in a significant financial commitment, paying $7.7 billion for a seven-year rights deal with the UFC. This deal enhances their offering, making Paramount+ the premiere destination for combat sports.
Comparison to Current ESPN Model
Currently, UFC events can only be accessed through ESPN+, which requires additional payment for pay-per-view events costing $79.99. This system has created a “double pay wall,” which Ellison believes limits accessibility. He expects that removing these barriers will boost viewership—having already seen a 25% increase since 2019.
Future Investments in Paramount+
Alongside the United States, price increases for Paramount+ subscriptions are also planned in Canada and Australia. These hikes are intended to support ongoing investments that enhance the platform’s value.
- Enhanced user experience and programming planned for upcoming years.
- Notable talent commitments include creators from popular series like Stranger Things.
- Improvements to streaming functionality and app performance are in the works.
Ellison referred to the UFC as a “unicorn sports property,” attributed to its singular availability on Paramount+ compared to leagues like the NFL and NBA, which are spread across various platforms. The focus on combat sports, along with considerable organizational improvements, positions Paramount+ favorably in the competitive streaming market.
