Paramount+ is set to increase its prices in 2026 as the streaming service welcomes the UFC to its lineup. The price hike, announced by Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, is planned for the first quarter of 2026, with the exact amount yet to be disclosed. Paramount+ currently offers two subscription plans: an essential plan with ads for $7.99 monthly or $59.99 annually, and a premium plan with no ads for $12.99 monthly or $119.99 annually. The price increase aims to support Paramount's ongoing investments in enhancing the streaming service's value for consumers. Ellison stated that these changes will fuel reinvestment in user experience and programming, providing an even stronger slate of content for customers. The UFC's seven-year deal with Paramount, worth $7.7 billion, will bring all UFC events, including pay-per-view events, to Paramount+ subscribers at no additional cost beyond their subscription fees. This move removes the secondary pay-per-view paywall, making premium events accessible to all subscribers. Ellison believes this will lead to significant subscriber growth and engagement across the platform. The UFC's year-round schedule, without an off-season, is also highlighted as an attractive sports property to retain subscribers. Paramount's partnership with TKO, Dana White, and Zuffa Boxing further solidifies its position as a combat sports powerhouse, with a focus on increasing engagement and subscriber growth. The company's content strategy, as emphasized by Ellison, prioritizes investing in more content, including deals with creators behind popular shows like South Park and Stranger Things.
