Paramount+ appears to have scored a major streaming victory with UFC Freedom 250.
Ahead of the event, UFC President Dana White predicted the card would attract “Super Bowl numbers” for Paramount+, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. The event was staged on the South Lawn of the White House, marking the first time the UFC has held a fight card at the historic venue. The production required months of planning, extensive security coordination, and custom-built infrastructure to transform the White House grounds into a world-class fight venue.
According to Sports Business Journal, citing new data from Sensor Tower, Paramount+ saw downloads surge after streaming the historic UFC event from the White House. The numbers suggest the exclusive card generated enough buzz to convince a wave of viewers to install the app and tune in.
Paramount+ Downloads Nearly Quadrupled
According to the SBJ report, Sensor Tower data shows Paramount+ downloads increased 276% compared to the streaming service’s average over the previous 30 days, nearly quadrupling its normal download pace.
The momentum continued throughout the weekend:
- Downloads jumped 184% from Saturday to Sunday
- Daily active users increased 17% compared to the previous day
- Daily active users were 34% higher than the prior 30-day average
While Paramount has not released official viewership numbers, the app download and engagement data suggest UFC Freedom 250 generated significant interest among both new and returning subscribers.
For some perspective, Sensor Tower compared the UFC event with the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Fox Sports app, which carries English-language World Cup matches, saw downloads increase 14-fold compared to its previous 30-day average—an even larger spike, though from a much smaller user base than Paramount+.
Meanwhile, Peacock, which streams Spanish-language World Cup coverage, experienced a 35% increase in downloads when the tournament kicked off. Usage also surged across both services, with the Fox Sports app seeing daily active users climb 224% and Peacock posting a 61% increase.
Whether the download spike translates into long-term subscriber growth remains to be seen, but the early indicators are encouraging for Paramount+. The data highlights how premium live sports continue to be one of the biggest drivers of streaming growth, with exclusive events encouraging viewers to subscribe or return to a service they may have previously canceled.
