TKO’s president and COO, Mark Shapiro, has declared the traditional pay-per-view model as “outdated” and a relic of the past. His remarks come shortly after the announcement of a new seven-year media rights deal that will see all premium UFC events exclusively available on the Paramount+ streaming service.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Shapiro outlined the company’s plan to move away from pay-per-view in favor of subscription-based streaming for its top-tier events. He stated, “The pay-per-view model is a thing of the past. What remains on pay-per-view? Boxing? DirecTV movies? It’s an antiquated approach. We want to create a one-stop shopping experience, especially for younger fans in less populated areas—that was our main priority. That’s the message we want to promote.”
Starting in 2026, a new agreement between UFC and Paramount will ensure that all UFC Numbered Events and Fight Night streams will be accessible live on Paramount+ without extra charges for U.S. subscribers.
This shift is mirrored in WWE, another key TKO property, where it was recently announced that all WWE’s premium live events, including WrestleMania and SummerSlam, will be available exclusively on ESPN’s new consumer streaming platform in the U.S. beginning in 2026.
Shapiro’s statements and the strategies for both UFC and WWE highlight a major shift in TKO’s distribution approach, moving away from the pay-per-view model that has long defined combat sports and professional wrestling. By placing premium content on leading streaming services like Paramount+ and ESPN, TKO is betting on subscription models to grow viewership and secure steady, sizable revenue for the foreseeable future. The full interview with Mark Shapiro can be viewed on CNBC.
Fan Take: This change is huge for WWE fans as it signals easier, more affordable access to major events without the hefty pay-per-view price tag. It could also revolutionize the way wrestling content is consumed, potentially opening the door for more innovation and fan engagement in the sport.
