Paramount Plus is set to increase subscription prices in January 2026, following the announcement made during the Paramount Skydance Q3 earnings call on November 10. Both subscription plans will see an increase of $1 per month. This decision comes as the company prepares to enhance its streaming service offerings, which will include a new deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a host of original content.
The price hikes will take the Essentials plan from $7.99 to $8.99 monthly, while the Premium plan will rise from $12.99 to $13.99 monthly. For annual subscriptions, the Essentials plan will see a significant increase from $59.99 to $89.99, marking nearly a 50% increase. The Premium annual plan will also increase, moving from $119.99 to $139.99.
Strategic Focus on Direct-to-Consumer Growth
Paramount’s Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) business is the company’s top priority moving forward. The planned price increase is designed to support the expansion of Paramount Plus Originals, which the company aims to produce in greater numbers. According to Paramount Skydance, this strategy is essential for enhancing its competitive edge in the streaming market.
The new pricing structure also aligns with Paramount’s recent acquisition of UFC rights for a staggering $7.7 billion. This multi-year deal, commencing in 2026, secures UFC content for the next seven years, marking a significant investment in premium sports programming.
With the combination of original programming and exclusive sports content, Paramount Plus aims to attract new subscribers while retaining existing ones. The company has already implemented price increases in other markets, such as Canada and Australia, indicating a broader strategy to elevate its service offerings globally.
For those considering a subscription, signing up before the price changes takes effect could be beneficial, particularly for the Essentials tier. As Paramount Plus continues to evolve, the focus on quality and exclusive content aims to provide greater value to its subscribers.
