UFC stars Georges St-Pierre and Jake Paul question impact of new broadcast deal on fighter pay
MMA icons Georges St-Pierre and Jake Paul express concerns over how the UFC’s seven-year, $7bn broadcast deal with Paramount may reduce fighters’ PPV revenue share.
New Paramount deal raises questions over fighter pay
The UFC and Paramount announced on Monday a seven-year, £5.7bn (~$7bn) broadcast deal that will see most events move from pay-per-view to Paramount+ and CBS. While this secures a major revenue boost for the promotion, top fighters fear they may lose out on PPV bonuses.
St-Pierre worries about losing leverage
Retired two-weight champion Georges St-Pierre said the new model could be "terrible" for athletes who once negotiated PPV points. "When I competed, I could demand a share of PPV revenue if I helped promote the event," he told Covers. Without a PPV structure, fighters may struggle to secure that extra cut, he added.
Jake Paul calls for transparent pay
Boxer-turned-UFC critic Jake Paul, who has clashed with president Dana White over fighter compensation, welcomed the clarity on UFC revenue. "No more PPV excuses. Get your worth, boys and girls," he tweeted, urging fighters to negotiate better terms.
Implications for the wider roster
While stars like Ronda Rousey, Jon Jones and St-Pierre have long received PPV points, most athletes earn flat show-and-win fees plus sponsorship earnings from the UFC’s Venum deal. Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall admitted on the Ariel Helwani show that he is unsure how the changes will affect the broader roster ahead of his UFC 321 headliner in October.
The new broadcast arrangement takes effect in early 2026 in the United States; deals in other markets, including the UK’s TNT Sports partnership, remain unchanged. Despite PPV sales sliding in recent years—14 events at £60 each in 2024—Dana White insists fighters will gain from wider exposure, though he has not specified any direct financial benefits.
The shift away from pay-per-view risks reducing fighters’ bargaining power over revenue shares, despite a record broadcast deal.
This topic was reported by BBC.
Explore useful articles in Sports News as of 12-08-2025. The article titled " UFC stars Georges St-Pierre and Jake Paul question impact of new broadcast deal on fighter pay " offers in-depth analysis and practical advice in the Sports News field. Each article is carefully crafted by experts to provide maximum value to readers.
The " UFC stars Georges St-Pierre and Jake Paul question impact of new broadcast deal on fighter pay " article expands your knowledge in Sports News, keeps you informed about the latest developments, and helps you make well-informed decisions. Each article is based on unique content, ensuring originality and quality.