TKO's Shapiro confirms UFC talks to expand onto HBO, TNT and CBS under Paramount-Warner Bros. merger

Discovery.

Speaking during a TKO financial call, Shapiro said the organisation is working directly with Skydance leadership to determine how best to distribute UFC content across the newly enlarged media portfolio. “We’re in conversation as we speak with Skydance about the best way to maximize audience across the Skydance platform,” Shapiro said. “We will be maximizing HBO, TNT, Paramount+, CBS, all in the name of expanding eyeballs, expanding viewership, growing audience, and increasing engagement.”

The UFC moved from ESPN to Paramount at the start of 2026 under a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal that also eliminated traditional pay-per-view broadcasts, placing every event on the Paramount+ streaming service. The Paramount-Warner Bros. merger now opens the door to a significantly wider range of distribution options.

Shapiro pointed to his existing relationship with Skydance Sports head David Berson — a former ESPN colleague — as a foundation for the ongoing strategic alignment. “He’s super creative,” Shapiro said. “Fully aligned strategically with Skydance and, frankly, they made a huge investment in UFC, and we want to see that we help them maximize their returns.”

While the merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. is officially complete, the full integration of the companies’ various properties remains in progress. Paramount+ is eventually expected to merge with HBO Max, a move that would substantially increase the combined subscriber base and overall viewership reach for UFC content.

No specific timeline or schedule for UFC programming on the additional networks has been announced, but Shapiro’s comments make clear that multi-platform distribution is a near-term priority rather than a distant possibility.