Massive Investment Before the First Bell
Paramount is making a huge splash in the boxing world, signing an exclusive broadcast deal with Dana White and his new promotion, Zuffa Boxing, even before the organization’s first event. The five-year contract is reportedly worth $100 million per year, according to The Guardian.
White confirmed the deal covers 12 to 13 events annually—roughly one per month—but Zuffa Boxing kicked off in style, scheduling its first three events in just three weeks. If the reported figure is correct, that works out to about $7.7 million per event, an enormous commitment for a brand-new promotion.
Betting on a Proven Track Record
While major promotions often secure big broadcast deals—Matchroom Boxing inked a $1 billion deal with DAZN in 2018—it’s rare for a start-up to command such a sum before even hosting its first fight. Paramount’s confidence comes from White’s proven success in building the UFC into a global phenomenon. Fans and industry insiders expect him to replicate that success with Zuffa Boxing.
This deal follows Paramount’s separate seven-year, $7.7 billion agreement to exclusively broadcast UFC events, signaling the network’s ongoing trust in White’s ability to attract viewers.
Early Action and Rising Stars
Zuffa Boxing held its debut event on January 23, headlined by White’s top prospect, “King” Callum Walsh. Walsh defeated Carlos Ocampo, improving his record to 16-0 and cementing his status as a rising star in the sport.
Paramount has already seen the payoff of its UFC partnership, with UFC 324—the first event broadcast on its platform—drawing nearly 5 million viewers. Viewership numbers for Zuffa Boxing’s first card have not yet been released, but with White at the helm, anticipation is high for the promotion’s second event and the months ahead.
