Paramount Secures 7 Year, Multibillion Dollar UFC Rights Deal Marking Major Move for New Owners

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has reached a groundbreaking seven-year deal with Paramount, making Paramount+ the exclusive streaming home for UFC events in the United States starting in 2026. This move represents a significant shift in how fans will access UFC content, as all events, including the highly anticipated pay-per-view (PPV) fights, will now be available through the streaming service. Notably, the traditional pay-per-view model will be discontinued, meaning that viewers will no longer have to pay separately for each major event. Instead, UFC fans will gain full access to these high-profile fights as part of their Paramount+ subscription. This shift is poised to transform the viewing experience by consolidating UFC content into a single platform, potentially attracting more subscribers to Paramount+ and making it easier for fans to watch all UFC events without additional costs. The deal reflects the growing trend in sports broadcasting towards streaming services, which are increasingly becoming the go-to venues for live sports content, replacing traditional cable and satellite pay-per-view models. By integrating all UFC events on Paramount+, the UFC and Paramount aim to enhance fan engagement and expand the sport’s reach in the digital era. For subscribers, this means more convenient access and likely better value, as they will no longer face the high fees typically associated with pay-per-view events. This move highlights a strategic effort by both the UFC and Paramount to innovate in sports media distribution and cater to evolving viewer preferences.<br /> <br /> Overall, the seven-year partnership marks a new chapter for UFC broadcasting, promising fans more accessible and streamlined coverage of one of the world’s most popular combat sports.

NY Giants Players Who Boosted or Jeopardized Their Roster Spot Chances This Preseason

The New York Giants’ Week 1 preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills provided early insight into which lesser-known players made strong cases for roster spots and who still has work to do. While the game ended in a 34-25 Giants victory, the focus was less on the scoreboard and more on individual performances that could influence final roster decisions. Among the notable standouts was rookie tight end Thomas Fidone II. The seventh-round pick showcased reliability and composure, catching all three of his targets for 22 yards and successfully converting a crucial two-point attempt. His ability to find soft spots in Buffalo’s zone coverage and become a dependable target for quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito was impressive, with clean catches and sharp moves to gain extra yards demonstrating his potential value to the team. Wide receiver Montrell Washington also made positive strides, turning opportunities into momentum and bolstering his chances of securing a spot. In contrast, defensive lineman Jermiah Ledbetter struggled and will need to rebound with stronger performances over the remaining two preseason games to maintain his roster hopes. Among the running backs, Dante Miller showed explosive speed and playmaking ability, particularly out of the backfield, catching all seven passes thrown his way for 80 yards. Though his rushing yardage was modest, his dynamic playmaking on screen passes caught attention. Veteran running back Singletary’s limited rushing output was offset by his dependable pass-blocking and veteran presence, factors that strongly favor his continued roster place. Overall, these early performances highlight the razor-thin margin between making or missing the Giants’ final roster, with some under-the-radar players rising while others must improve quickly to survive the cut. The next two preseason games will be critical for many hopefuls looking to secure a spot on the depth chart. <br /> <br /> The preseason presents a pivotal proving ground where film and individual moments carry more weight than the game result itself. The Giants and their coaching staff will closely analyze these performances as they finalize personnel decisions, making every snap highly valuable for players on the bubble.

Paramount wins exclusive UFC rights in the US with $7.7 billion seven year agreement

Paramount’s shares rose 4.2% in premarket trading following a major announcement that the company will become the exclusive U.S. home for the UFC’s full slate of events starting in 2026. Under a landmark seven-year media rights agreement with TKO Group Holdings, Paramount+ will stream all 13 numbered UFC events and 30 Fight Nights annually. Additionally, select marquee numbered events will be simulcast on Paramount’s CBS broadcast network. This deal marks a significant shift as the UFC moves away from its traditional pay-per-view model to boost accessibility and reach a broader audience through streaming and broadcast platforms. This agreement, valued at about $1.1 billion per year, emphasizes Paramount’s strategy to leverage live sports content to drive subscriber growth and increase engagement across its platforms. David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, highlighted the cultural impact and global recognition of the UFC and expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. With approximately 100 million U.S. UFC fans, this deal could significantly expand Paramount+’s subscriber base while providing fans with easier access to hundreds of hours of live UFC content annually. The partnership is also notable for the shift it represents in sports media distribution, as UFC events will no longer be predominantly behind paywalls but instead available on direct-to-consumer streaming, supplemented by free-to-air broadcasts of key events. Paramount also indicated plans to explore UFC media rights internationally as opportunities arise. This landmark deal positions Paramount+ as a major player in the competitive sports streaming market and signals a new era for MMA fans in the United States.

Banana Ball Star Tanner Thomas Makes Play to Recruit Bryce Harper to Party Animals

TMZ Sports recently caught up with a former Virginia Tech outfielder during a ceremonial shift he was doing at Raising Cane's. During the conversation, he was asked about which current Major League Baseball player he would most want on his team. Without hesitation, he stated that he would choose Bryce Harper above all other Big Leaguers. This endorsement is significant as Harper is widely regarded for his talent and leadership on the field. Claiming Harper as the top pick reflects both respect for his skills and admiration from fellow players. The former Virginia Tech outfielder's preference highlights Harper’s strong reputation among his peers and fans alike. The setting of the interview—a ceremonial stint at Raising Cane's—adds a relatable and down-to-earth aspect to this sports news. It shows how former athletes often engage with fans and communities in diverse settings after their playing careers or during breaks. Although the interview was brief, it provided a glimpse into the opinions and preferences of past players about current stars. Choosing Harper implies his status as a highly valued and impactful player in today’s Major League Baseball. The mention of Raising Cane's also connects the sports world with popular culture and local business, showcasing how athletes remain visible and influential beyond the diamond in settings like this fast-casual restaurant. Overall, the conversation captured by TMZ Sports underscores Bryce Harper’s continued prominence in baseball and the respect he commands from other players, even those from previous generations.

Peter's Expert WNBA Picks Today: Key Predictions and Prop Bets for Paige Bueckers, Storm Sparks Clash, and Alyssa Thomas Insights

Sunday’s WNBA schedule is packed with five exciting games, headlined by a high-stakes clash between the league’s top two teams. The New York Liberty, holding the No. 1 seed in the current standings, will host the No. 2 seeded Minnesota Lynx. This matchup carries significant implications for positioning as the regular season nears its final stretch, with teams vying for optimal playoff seedings and momentum. The Liberty have been exceptional this season, consistently demonstrating strong offensive and defensive performances that have propelled them to the top of the league. Meanwhile, the Lynx have shown resilience and skill, making them formidable challengers eager to unseat New York from their leading position. This game presents a pivotal opportunity for Minnesota to close the gap in the standings or potentially overtake the Liberty, setting the stage for a compelling battle on the court. In addition to this marquee confrontation, the other four Sunday games will provide basketball fans with a variety of competitive matchups, reflecting the intensity and unpredictability that have characterized the 2025 WNBA season. As teams push towards securing playoff spots, every game is crucial, contributing to the evolving dynamics of the league. With the regular season set to conclude in early September, Sunday’s contests, especially the Liberty-Lynx encounter, offer a snapshot of the high-level competition and drama fans can expect heading into the postseason. The event promises thrilling action as players showcase their talents and teams compete fiercely for supremacy.

Arsenal explore alternative to Eberechi Eze but warned it might be a mistake

Arsenal have been very active in the 2025 summer transfer window, signing a number of new players to strengthen their squad under manager Mikel Arteta. So far, the Gunners have completed high-profile arrivals including Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon, Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, along with Christian Nørgaard and Cristhian Mosquera, spending approximately £192.6 million. Several departures have occurred as well, with Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Thomas Partey, and others leaving either on free transfers or for undisclosed fees. This major squad overhaul is part of Arsenal’s bid to finally convert their recent Premier League runner-up finishes into a title-winning campaign[1][2][4]. Despite the extensive work done already, the transfer activity is far from finished. Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal remain "actively looking" for additional signings while also planning to offload some current squad members. The manager emphasized the ongoing evaluation of squad needs and possible moves in the coming weeks, indicating Arsenal aim to fine-tune their squad further before the season gets fully underway[1]. Among the players Arsenal continue to be linked with is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. While no official deal has been announced, interest in Eze suggests Arsenal are targeting creative midfield reinforcements to bolster their attacking options and provide fresh impetus to their lineup. This potential move aligns with the club’s ambition to strengthen intelligently and address specific tactical requirements as they prepare to challenge for major trophies again[1]. With the transfer window running until September 1, Arsenal’s business is expected to keep evolving as they balance incoming talent and departures to build a team capable of pushing for the Premier League title and other honors.