Paramount+ just added another major piece to its live-sports puzzle, giving subscribers more combat action. Earlier today, it was announced that the streamer will be the exclusive home for Zuffa Boxing (covering the U.S., Canada and Latin America), beginning in January 2026. The initial slate will include 12 Zuffa cards next year, with plans to expand and the potential for select events to be simulcast on CBS and other Paramount platforms.
The upstart boxing promotion was founded by UFC CEO Dana White and Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki Al-Sheik through a partnership of Sela and TKO Group Holdings (TKO). The promotion’s inaugural event saw Canelo vs. Crawford, which streamed live on Netflix.
Zuffa Boxing’s rights deal follows Paramount’s blockbuster move earlier this year to bring the UFC to Paramount+ in 2026. The massive, multi-year pact that shifts marquee mixed-martial-arts content inside the Octagon onto the streamer and CBS, positioning Paramount as a top home for year-round fight content.
“I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience. There are millions of boxing fans that will now be able to watch competitive fights with up-and-coming boxers as well as the biggest stars in the sport. Paramount will be the home for UFC and boxing fans to watch the greatest fights in combat sports,” White said in a statement.
“This partnership with Paramount reinforces our vision to redefine the way viewers consume boxing. More fight fans will now have access to watch some of the most exciting boxers around. We have seen the proof that the appetite is there, this is the future for live boxing coverage and will ensure the sport continues to thrive,” said HE Turki Alalshikh.
With the Zuffa Boxing deal, TKO Group (the parent company behind UFC, WWE, and now Zuffa Boxing initiatives) continues its multiplatform distribution approach. By pairing exclusive streaming partners with selective broadcast windows and other platform deals, TKO continues to maximize reach and revenue in a shifting rights landscape.
“Paramount has long been a leader in sports and sports storytelling, and this partnership marks a bold new chapter – not just for us, but for the future of boxing. It’s a partnership that advances several of our core priorities: delivering premium sports to fans, providing audiences with year-round marquee live events, and creating long-term value through a differentiated, must-watch portfolio of content. By combining TKO and Zuffa Boxing’s world-class production and promotional capabilities with our subscribers’ passion for sports, we are confident we will deliver something truly special to boxing fans throughout the U.S., Canada, and Latin America for years to come,” said Cindy Holland, Chair of Direct-to-Consumer for Paramount, a Skydance Corporation.
Paramount’s Showtime was home to live boxing for 37 years, but exited the sport in 2023. Starting January 2026, Paramount+ subscribers can enjoy Zuffa Boxing cards and the UFC roster on one app across their favorite devices. After the finalization of the Paramount-Skydance merger, Paramount+ is shaping up to become a one-stop home for elite combat sports programming.