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Ultimate Fighting Championship could expand its programming to HBO and other networks as its media partner explores ways to reach larger audiences.
Mark Shapiro, president and CEO of TKO Group Holdings, said discussions are underway with Skydance about using its expanded media portfolio to increase the UFC’s reach. Paramount-Skydance took Warner Bros. Discovery completed its acquisition on October 6, bringing HBO and TNT under the same corporate roof as Paramount+ and CBS.
TKO CEO Mark Shapiro says discussions with Skydance include HBO, TNT, Paramount+ and CBS
“We are talking to Skydance about the best way to maximize the audience on the Skydance platform.” Shapiro said during TKO’s earnings call on Wednesday.
Shapiro identified several platforms that could play a role in the UFC’s distribution strategy.
“We’re going to maximize HBO, TNT, Paramount+, CBS, all of that to expand eyeballs, expand audience, grow audience and grow engagement,” Shapiro added. “We are fully aligned strategically with Skydance and frankly they made a huge investment in the UFC and we want to see us help them maximize their revenue.”
The UFC’s seven-year, $7.7 billion U.S. media rights deal with Paramount began in January 2026, replacing its partnership with ESPN. The deal moved UFC events to Paramount+, with select numbered events also airing on CBS, and eliminated separate pay-per-views in the US.
No specific plans or launch dates for HBO or TNT’s UFC programming have been announced.