Paramount+ Raises Prices Ahead of UFC Streaming Debut

Paramount+ subscribers are facing the first price adjustment since 2024, with increases taking effect on January 15, 2026. The timing coincides directly with the platform's strategic pivot toward live sports.

The streaming service is preparing to host its first UFC live event on January 24, marking a significant shift in how fight fans will access premier mixed martial arts content. This transition comes as the platform eliminates its free trial period for new users.

Current subscribers and prospective customers have a narrow window to secure existing rates before the new pricing structure is implemented. The changes affect all subscription tiers, with annual plans seeing the most dramatic adjustments.

The upcoming changes introduce a uniform $1 monthly increase across both Essential and Premium subscription tiers. The Essential plan moves from $8 to $9 per month, while Premium subscribers will pay $13 to $14 monthly.

Annual subscriptions receive significantly steeper adjustments. The Essential annual plan jumps from $60 to $90 per year, representing a 50% increase. The Premium annual option maintains its $120 price point despite the monthly rate hike.

These modifications represent the first pricing overhaul since 2024. Paramount originally unveiled the changes during its Q3 2025 earnings presentation in November 2025.

Key Pricing Changes:

• Essential Monthly: $8 → $9
• Premium Monthly: $13 → $14
• Essential Annual: $60 → $90
• Premium Annual: $120 (unchanged)

The price restructuring aligns precisely with Paramount+'s acquisition of UFC streaming rights. Starting January 24, 2026, the platform will stream its first major UFC event, UFC 324.

This represents a fundamental shift in fight distribution. Previously, major UFC events followed a pay-per-view model exclusively available through ESPN+ subscriptions. The landscape changed when ESPN+ ceased operations, rebranding as ESPN Unlimited.

Paramount+ now becomes the primary destination for live UFC content. Subscribers at both Essential and Premium tiers will receive access to live fights and on-demand coverage throughout 2026.

The service has published the complete upcoming fight schedule on its website, allowing fans to plan viewing around the full calendar of events.

The proximity of the price increase to the UFC debut has not gone unnoticed. Industry observers note the strategic alignment between premium sports content and higher subscription costs.

With the elimination of the free trial, new subscribers must commit to a paid plan immediately. This policy change removes the traditional buffer period for testing services before financial commitment.

The move reflects broader industry trends where streaming platforms leverage exclusive content to justify price adjustments. Paramount+ is positioning itself as an essential service for combat sports enthusiasts.

Current subscribers retain the ability to avoid the increase through immediate action, specifically by securing annual subscriptions before the January 15 deadline.

Despite the official free trial ending, several pathways remain for accessing Paramount+ without immediate direct payment. Walmart+ members receive Paramount+ Essential as part of their membership benefits.

The Walmart+ offering includes a 30-day free trial for new members, providing full access to Paramount+ Essential during that period. This bundle represents one of the most competitive streaming packages currently available.

Amazon Prime Video users can also access Paramount+ through the Prime Video add-on system. Amazon offers 7-day free trials for most channel add-ons, with costs integrating into the standard Prime bill after the trial concludes.

These bundled options provide flexibility for consumers seeking to evaluate the service or temporarily offset subscription costs while maintaining access to the new UFC content.

The convergence of price increases and UFC content acquisition signals a new chapter for Paramount+. The platform is aggressively positioning itself within the competitive sports streaming market.

For consumers, the immediate decision point centers on annual subscription lock-in. Securing current rates before January 15 provides substantial savings, particularly for the Essential annual plan which jumps by $30.

As the January 24 UFC 324 event approaches, the platform's value proposition will be tested. The service must deliver reliable streaming quality and comprehensive coverage to justify the new pricing structure.

Paramount+'s evolution from entertainment-focused streaming to sports destination represents a calculated bet on live event viewership driving long-term subscriber retention.