Zuffa Boxing, the new promotional arm launched under TKO Group Holdings (the company that now runs both the UFC and WWE), is reportedly close to finalising a multi-year broadcast rights deal with Paramount. If confirmed, this would mark the first major step in getting Zuffa’s boxing venture into households worldwide — but it raises just as many questions as it answers.
What We Know So Far
According to industry whispers, the Zuffa Boxing broadcast deal is aimed at securing global distribution through Paramount’s platforms. That could mean Showtime Sports’ old infrastructure being repurposed, or it could mean Paramount+ streaming becoming the primary home for Zuffa fight nights. Either way, this isn’t just a small-time play. It’s TKO signalling that they want boxing under their banner to compete on the same commercial level as UFC cards.
With WWE locked into a massive Netflix deal beginning in 2025, and the UFC still firmly attached to ESPN in the United States, the question is whether TKO really intends for Paramount to be boxing’s long-term broadcast base, or if this is a stopgap while they figure out the bigger streaming puzzle.
Streaming: A Blessing or Another Paywall?
One of the biggest positives here is global reach. Fans in the UK will know the pain of certain US fight nights not being available unless you’ve got the right broadcaster or a DAZN subscription. If Zuffa Boxing ends up on Paramount+, it could mean a much more consistent and accessible way to follow events across multiple countries.
But let’s be honest — this also means yet another subscription for fans. Between DAZN, ESPN+, TNT Sports, Netflix, and whoever else wants a slice, boxing is starting to look like a patchwork quilt of paywalls. The sport has always been fragmented, and unless Zuffa is willing to build a “home of boxing” feel on Paramount+, there’s a risk fans just won’t bother.
Why It Matters for Boxing
Boxing’s broadcast model is long overdue a shake-up. For decades we’ve had fragmented promoters tied to fragmented TV deals, and fans have been left chasing streams or paying through the nose. If Zuffa Boxing can centralise their shows under a major streaming partner, it could put pressure on traditional promoters to rethink how fights are distributed.
On the other hand, this could end up being more of the same — flashy branding, slick promos, and another monthly bill. The truth is, boxing doesn’t just need a new platform; it needs consistency, quality matchmaking, and a reason for fans to trust a new player in a very crowded market.
Final Bell
The Zuffa Boxing broadcast deal with Paramount could be the start of something genuinely big — or it could just be another corporate experiment. Until the ink is dry and the first card hits screens, fans will remain sceptical.
What do you reckon — would you sign up for another subscription just to follow Zuffa Boxing? Or are you already fed up with paywalls in the sport? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this post with your mates — and if you want more honest takes on the business side of boxing, head over to CMBoxing.co.uk.