UFC's $5.7B Paramount Deal Sparks Fighter Pay Controversy: Industry Legends Sound Alarm
MMA icon Georges St-Pierre and influencer-boxer Jake Paul criticize UFC's $5.7B broadcast deal with Paramount, warning of reduced fighter leverage in contract negotiations while UFC touts expanded exposure.
Fighter Compensation Concerns
Retired MMA superstar Georges St-Pierre has raised red flags about the UFC's landmark $5.7 billion broadcast partnership with Paramount, suggesting it could severely impact fighters' earning potential. The seven-year agreement, set to begin in 2026, shifts most pay-per-view events to Paramount+ streaming and CBS network television, marking a 1,440% revenue increase from UFC's previous ESPN deal.
"This corporate windfall might bury athlete bargaining power," St-Pierre told Covers Media. "When I headlined cards, PPV percentages gave us skin in the game. Now? Fighters lose that partnership model overnight."
Industry Reactions
- Jake Paul called the deal a "revenue transparency milestone," urging fighters to demand fair shares
- Tom Aspinall, current UFC heavyweight champion, expressed uncertainty about compensation impacts
- UFC President Dana White emphasized "unprecedented mainstream exposure" through CBS broadcasts
Financial Breakdown
| Revenue Stream | Previous Deal (ESPN) | New Deal (Paramount) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Value | $74M | $1.14B |
| PPV Events (US) | 14/year | 0-3/year |
| Base Fighter Pay* | $50k-$500k | Unchanged |
*Excluding undisclosed bonuses and sponsorship cuts
Historical Context
The PPV model fueled UFC's growth since 1993, creating superstar earners like Ronda Rousey (estimated $3M/event) and Conor McGregor ($5M+ per fight). Under the new structure, revenue streams shift to:
- Subscription-based streaming
- Network TV advertising
- Venum sponsorship pool
Global Implications
While the deal currently applies only to U.S. broadcasts, UK partners like TNT Sports face pressure to renegotiate terms. Analysts predict:
- Reduced crossover appeal for international stars
- Potential collective bargaining movements
- Increased fighter migration to rival promotions
White maintains the partnership "elevates MMA to NFL-level visibility," though no revised pay structure has been announced.
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