The UFC is days away from starting its new era of streaming on Paramount+ for UFC 324 on January 24th. Controversy is already on the rise, however, as they have just increased their prices for the platform as the date approaches. As of today, the prices for Paramount+ have increased from $60 to $90 annually for the standard version and from $120 to $140 for the premium version. The monthly plan will also increase by one dollar. Fans are not too happy as they reason that many were excited for the Paramount+ deal, which was to eliminate pay-per-view costs from the events.

Criticism in the past for the UFC, when they were a part of ESPN, was that pay-per-views were too expensive, especially to buy one once a month. With this new deal, it was promised to be much cheaper, and while it still is, prices continue to go up. It is still cheaper than paying $80 a month for one event, but prices are already going up as the first event approaches, turning some people’s heads. From a fan perspective, going to a platform for cheaper access to your favorite sport just to have the prices instantly raised is a good way to drive people away. Especially when it is a $20-$30 annual increase.

The price rise is likely due to how massive the production for a UFC event and the original cost was less than anticipated for the company. The spike will balance out the revenue and try to break even or make a profit from the event. Nonetheless, Paramount’s increase is active, and while it is till cheaper than the pay-per-view model, a continual increase of prices would make more fans upset.