Paramount Plus Announces Price Increase Ahead of UFC Deal in 2026

Paramount Plus will implement a price increase across its subscription plans beginning January 2026. The announcement was made during the Paramount Skydance Q3 earnings call on November 10, revealing a $1 monthly hike for both the Essentials and Premium plans. This adjustment follows similar price increases previously announced for subscribers in Australia and Canada.

The Essentials plan will rise from $7.99 to $8.99 per month, while the Premium plan will increase to $13.99 per month. For annual subscribers, the changes are even more significant. The annual cost of the Essentials plan will jump from $59.99 to $89.99, marking an increase of nearly 50%. The Premium annual plan will also see a rise, changing from $119.99 to $139.99.

Strategic Focus on Original Content and UFC Partnership

Paramount Skydance has indicated that its Direct to Consumer (DTC) business, which includes both Paramount Plus and Showtime, will be a central focus in the upcoming year. Part of the rationale behind the price increase is to enhance the investment in new original programming. The company plans to allocate additional funds generated from the price hike to produce more original content for its streaming service.

In addition to the content expansion, Paramount Plus is preparing for a substantial new partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The company has secured a deal valued at $7.7 billion, set to begin in 2026 and lasting for seven years. This partnership is expected to significantly bolster the platform’s offerings, further justifying the upcoming price changes.

As Paramount Plus adjusts its pricing structure, existing and potential subscribers may want to consider locking in the current rates before the increase takes effect. With a renewed commitment to content and sports entertainment, the platform aims to enhance its competitive edge in the crowded streaming landscape.