Less than a year after launching a landmark broadcast partnership, UFC ownership is already exploring a much wider distribution footprint across additional networks. TKO Group Holdings President and COO Mark Shapiro confirmed during an earnings call that active conversations are underway to maximize content across an expanded portfolio.
Expanding the Broadcast Footprint
The discussions follow the completion of a massive $110 billion acquisition by Paramount-Skydance, which brought HBO, TNT, and CBS under the same corporate umbrella as Paramount+, as reported by Reuters. The UFC previously moved from ESPN to Paramount+ at the start of 2026 under a seven-year, $7.7 billion agreement that eliminated traditional pay-per-view.
Speaking on the TKO earnings call, Shapiro stated that leadership is looking to utilize the newly merged assets. As reported by MMA Fighting, Shapiro said they will be maximizing HBO, TNT, Paramount+, and CBS to expand viewership, grow audiences, and increase engagement. He added that TKO is fully aligned strategically with Skydance to help the media company maximize returns on its investment.
Future Outlook and Subscriber Impact
The new corporate alignment means the UFC’s exclusive streaming home could also serve as a springboard to linear and premium cable audiences. Although no timeline has been announced for when UFC programming might appear on HBO or TNT, integration efforts are currently underway.
TKO is positioning itself to capture additional revenue from advertising and carriage fees that linear networks provide. For fans, utilizing the Skydance portfolio could broaden the fan base and generate more interest in numbered events, though the integration may eventually alter subscription requirements across platforms.
