UFC Strikes Unprecedented $7.7 Billion Deal with Paramount and CBS

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the world's leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company, founded in 1993 by Art Davie, Rorion Gracie, and Bob Meyrowitz. Initially conceived as an experimental event to determine the most effective martial art in real combat, the UFC has evolved into a global sports phenomenon. The first event, UFC 1, was held in Denver, Colorado, and featured a single-elimination tournament with minimal rules, won by Royce Gracie, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner[1][2][3]. ### History and Evolution In its early years, the UFC faced criticism for its brutality, leading to the introduction of stricter rules and safety measures. By the late 1990s, weight classes and prohibited techniques were implemented, and the Unified Rules of MMA were adopted around 2000, significantly enhancing the sport's legitimacy[2][4]. The UFC's financial struggles in the early 2000s were alleviated when the Fertitta brothers and Dana White purchased the company in 2001. Their leadership transformed the UFC into a mainstream success, notably through the reality TV show "The Ultimate Fighter," which aired in 2005[4]. ### Key Achievements and Current Status The UFC has made several strategic acquisitions, including Pride Fighting Championships in 2007 and Strikeforce in 2011, solidifying its position as the premier MMA promotion[1]. Today, the UFC operates across multiple continents, hosting events in various countries and featuring top fighters like Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre. The organization has expanded to include 12 weight divisions for men and women, reflecting its growth and diversification[5]. ### Notable Aspects The UFC is recognized for its innovative approach to sports marketing and its ability to integrate technology into its events, enhancing fan engagement and broadcast quality. Its global reach and popularity have made it a significant player in the sports industry, attracting millions of fans

## Overview TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (TKO) is a leading American sports and entertainment company that owns and manages some of the most valuable and globally recognized properties in live entertainment, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and Professional Bull Riders (PBR)[1][3]. Headquartered in New York, TKO operates at the intersection of sports, media, and technology, producing live events, streaming content, merchandise, and digital experiences for audiences in over 210 countries[3]. The company also offers advertising, sponsorships, and premium hospitality services through partnerships with IMG and On Location[3]. ## History and Evolution TKO’s origins trace back to the early 2000s, when its predecessor acquired the then-struggling UFC and transformed it into a global MMA powerhouse[4]. In 2016, the company was acquired by WME-IMG (now Endeavor Group Holdings), which accelerated its international expansion and diversified its portfolio[4]. A landmark moment came in 2023, when Endeavor orchestrated a merger between UFC (via its subsidiary Zuffa) and WWE, forming TKO Group Holdings as a publicly traded entity—an unprecedented move that ended the McMahon family’s majority control of WWE after more than 70 years[1]. ## Key Achievements TKO’s merger created the largest combat sports and entertainment conglomerate, with UFC and WWE each generating over $1.4 billion in revenue in 2023[1]. The company’s brands are leaders in their respective fields: UFC is the top MMA organization, WWE dominates global wrestling entertainment, and PBR is the premier bull riding league[3]. TKO’s digital reach is massive, with UFC alone boasting over 100 million social media followers by 2023, driving fan engagement and new revenue streams[4]. The company also pioneered UFC FIGHT PASS, a direct-to-consumer

CBS, originally founded in 1927 as the Columbia Broadcasting System, is a major American media company known primarily for its commercial broadcasting, television production, and publishing activities. It began as a radio network established by talent agent Arthur Judson but was soon acquired by William S. Paley, who transformed it into a dominant force in radio by leveraging advertising revenue through large audiences[1][5]. CBS expanded into television early, launching experimental broadcasts in 1931 and pioneering the first color TV broadcast in 1940 from its Chrysler Building transmitter in New York City[1][2]. The network became a leader in television entertainment and news through the mid-20th century, with iconic programs and personalities such as Ed Sullivan, Lucille Ball, and Walter Cronkite contributing to its popularity[3]. CBS also innovated in network news with the Columbia News Service, led by Edward R. Murrow, which established its reputation for serious journalism in the 1930s and 1940s[2]. Throughout its history, CBS diversified into related sectors like recording (Columbia Records) and publishing but eventually refocused on broadcasting and entertainment. It underwent several corporate transformations, including a merger with Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1995, adoption of the CBS Corporation name, and acquisition by Viacom in 2000. After splitting from Viacom in 2005 and operating independently, CBS re-merged with Viacom in 2019 to form ViacomCBS, which was renamed Paramount Global in 2022. In 2025, CBS became the flagship network of the newly formed Paramount Skydance Corporation following an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media[3][4]. Today, CBS remains a key player in American media, known for its broad programming reach, influential news division, and historical significance in radio and television innovation. Its long-standing presence and adaptability in business and technology make it a cornerstone of the broadcasting industry. CBS’s leadership under President and CEO George Che