Boxing’s next big power play is officially set. Paramount+ will become the exclusive broadcast partner for Zuffa Boxing across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, beginning January 2026.
The move sees Paramount join forces with TKO Group Holdings, Sela, and a who’s who of fight power brokers, including UFC President Dana White, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, Sela CEO Dr. Rakan Alharthy, and WWE president Nick Khan. This alignment of unprecedented financial and promotional might is poised to reshape the sport’s global television landscape entirely.
12 Fight Nights to Kick Off the Deal
The rollout is set to begin with 12 live cards in 2026, streamed on Paramount+, with the potential for marquee events to air on CBS and other Paramount platforms. Expansion beyond the first year is already built into the deal.
That means fight fans can expect a steady run of high-profile events, with Dana White promising competitive match-ups and star names to headline the new era.
Dana White’s Boxing Return
White has teased Zuffa Boxing for years, but with Paramount on board and Saudi investment in the mix, the long-awaited venture finally takes shape.
“I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience,” White said. “There are millions of boxing fans who 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.”
Alalshikh’s Vision: A Seismic Shift
Turki Alalshikh, who has transformed the global fight scene with the Riyadh Season boxing series, sees Zuffa Boxing as another seismic shift.
“This partnership with Paramount reinforces our vision to redefine the way viewers consume boxing,” he stated. “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.”
Paramount’s Strategic Play
Paramount, under new Skydance ownership, has already placed a premium on live sports as a key driver of subscriber growth. Chair of Direct-to-Consumer Cindy Holland confirmed the network views boxing as a key growth pillar.
“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,” Holland said.
What This Means for Boxing’s Future
Zuffa Boxing will announce details on the first card in the coming months. Expectations are high given the combination of UFC’s event expertise, Saudi financial clout, and Paramount’s broadcast reach.
For boxing, it represents another major shake-up in the global TV landscape. Fans now wait to see which fighters sign on the dotted line and who headlines the opening show in January 2026.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.
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