Paramount Global acquired the U.S. rights to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for $7.7 billion over seven years, the company announced Monday. Why it matters: The deal, which starts next year, was announced less than a week after Paramount completed its long-awaited merger with Skydance Media.

The seven-year deal, beginning in 2026, was the first major deal struck by Paramount after it finalized its merger with Skydance.

Paramount has struck a $7.7 billion deal to become the exclusive U.S. home of the UFC that will make events available to subscribers without pay-per-view.