UFC boss Dana White has shared his reaction after the announcement of a huge new media deal for Zuffa Boxing.
Earlier this year, TKO Holdings announced the creation of a new boxing promotion provisionally named TKO Boxing, which was to be spearheaded by UFC boss Dana White and Turki Alalshikh.
The promotion then held their first event just a few weeks ago when Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford fought for the undisputed super middleweight title in one of the biggest boxing fights of the century.
And not long after, it has now been announced that TKO’s boxing venture has now found a new home for broadcasting, following the same path as the UFC.
Zuffa Boxing lands new broadcast deal with Paramount
At the beginning of August, it was announced that the UFC were ending their long relationship with ESPN as their broadcaster in the United States, after signing a whopping $7.7 billion deal with Paramount.
And now just a few weeks removed from their first venture into the sport of boxing, it has been announced that Zuffa Boxing has signed a media rights agreement with Paramount.
Zuffa Boxing is the new professional boxing promotion formed by TKO and leading entertainment conglomerate, Sela, with leadership from the aforementioned pair of White and Alalshikh.
Beginning in January 2026, Paramount will exclusively distribute a full slate of Zuffa Boxing events, starting with 12 events, with plans to increase the number in subsequent years.
The events will be available through Paramount+ with the potential for select events to be simulcast on CBS, similar to the UFC’s new deal with the broadcaster.
“I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience,” White said in a press release.
“There are millions of boxing fans that will now be able to competitive fights with up-and-coming boxers as well as the biggest stars in the sport. Paramount will be the home for UFC and boxing fans to watch the greatest fights in combat sports,” White continued.
Turki Alalshikh reacts after historic new deal
Alalshikh is widely regarded as the saviour of boxing after having made some of the most desired fights in the sport over the last few years.
“This partnership with Paramount reinforces our vision to redefine the way viewers consume boxing. More fight fans will now have access to watch some of the most exciting boxers around. We have seen the proof that the appetite is there, this is the future for live boxing coverage and we will ensure the sport continues to thrive,” Alalshikh said.