Paramount and TKO Group Holdings announced on Monday their joint venture into boxing, with Paramount+ securing exclusive broadcasting rights for Zuffa Boxing events throughout North America. Under a multi-year agreement, Paramount+ will showcase 12 Zuffa boxing events in 2026, with some bouts potentially airing simultaneously on CBS, and more events planned in the coming years.
Zuffa Boxing was established in March by TKO and the Saudi Arabian entertainment company Sera, with leadership including UFC President Dana White, WWE Chairman Nick Khan, Sera CEO Dr. Raqan Alkhati, and Saudi Boxing Federation President Turki Alarusik. Alarusik emphasized that this partnership aims to revolutionize boxing viewership, offering fans access to thrilling matches and ensuring the sport’s ongoing vitality.
Having acquired The Ring magazine in 2024, Alarusik has been a key figure in promoting major boxing matches recently, such as the highly anticipated Terrence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez fight at Allegiant Stadium, which acted as a soft introduction to Zuffa Boxing. Dana White expressed that his initial reluctance to enter boxing shifted upon meeting Alarusik, whose passion for the sport has catalyzed matchups that otherwise would never have occurred.
TKO, which also owns UFC and WWE, recently secured a seven-year deal making Paramount+ the exclusive distributor of all UFC numbered and “Fight Night” events. White revealed that Zuffa Boxing will focus on evenly matched bouts between emerging fighters, aiming to create future stars who may later compete in prestigious events like “The Ring” and Riyadh Season. This approach mirrors the UFC’s successful development of talent through its reality show “The Ultimate Fighter” launched in 2005.
White highlighted the humble beginnings of UFC and views Zuffa Boxing as starting from scratch on Paramount’s platform, matchmaking compelling fights early in fighters’ careers to build fan trust and engagement. Drawing from his background as a former trainer and manager, White plans to bring structure and excitement to boxing, citing inspiration from the former USA Network show “Tuesday Night Fights.”
Details on Zuffa Boxing’s format are still being finalized, with White intending to reduce the current 17 weight classes and move away from the existing four-belt championship system managed by the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF. To support this vision, TKO has led efforts to amend the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996, with bipartisan backing expected in Congress despite criticism from some in the sports community.
White assured that Zuffa Boxing will proceed with or without legislative approval and dismissed concerns over changes to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, stressing that their version would offer fighters additional options rather than limiting them. He believes the current system restrains business growth and sees Zuffa Boxing as both a promoter and independent league, preferring to focus on delivering captivating fight nights over cooperating with established boxing entities.
In closing, White acknowledged mixed opinions about his involvement in boxing but expressed confidence in his plan and team, committing to work hard for the sport’s revival. Paramount, a Skydance company, also owns CBS Sports.
Fan Take: This development is thrilling for fight enthusiasts because it injects fresh energy and innovation into a sport that has long needed modernization. Dana White’s proven track record in building the UFC suggests Zuffa Boxing could reshape boxing’s future, offering more exciting, evenly matched fights and a new generation of stars for fans to rally behind.
