Paramount Plus to Raise Prices in 2026 Amid UFC Deal and New Originals

Paramount Plus has announced a price increase for its streaming services, effective January 2026. Both the Essentials and Premium plans will see a rise of $1 per month, a change revealed during the recent Paramount Skydance Q3 earnings call on November 10. This adjustment marks the latest move in the company’s strategy to enhance its streaming offerings, which already included price hikes in Australia and Canada.

The Essentials plan will increase to $8.99 per month, while the Premium plan will cost $13.99 per month starting January 17, 2026. For annual subscribers, the impact is even more pronounced. The Essentials annual plan will jump from $59.99 to $89.99, representing a nearly 50% increase. The Premium annual plan will rise from $119.99 to $139.99.

Strategic Focus on Direct-to-Consumer Initiatives

Paramount Skydance is prioritizing its Direct to Consumer (DTC) business, which encompasses both Paramount Plus and Showtime. The price hike is part of a broader strategy to invest in new content for the platform. The company plans to allocate funds from the increased subscription fees to produce more original programming.

One of the key drivers behind this price adjustment is Paramount Skydance’s recent agreement with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The deal, valued at $7.7 billion, is set to commence in 2026 and will span seven years. This partnership is expected to enhance the platform’s offerings significantly and attract a larger audience base.

With these changes on the horizon, current and prospective subscribers may want to consider locking in the existing rates before the increase takes effect. The latest price adjustments reflect a significant shift in Paramount Plus’s approach as it seeks to solidify its position in the competitive streaming landscape.