Paramount+ to Increase Prices Next Year Amid Content Investment
Paramount+ has announced plans to increase subscription prices in early 2026, according to CEO David Ellison. This decision comes as part of a strategy to enhance content investment and service offerings for customers.
Planned Price Adjustments
Starting January 15, 2026, the subscription rates for Paramount+ will rise. The Essential (ad-supported) plan will increase by $1 to $8.99 per month, while the Premium (ad-free) plan will also see a rise of $1, reaching $13.99 per month. Annual plans will similarly adjust, with the Essential plan moving to $89.99 per year and the Premium plan increasing to $139.99 per year.
Significant Content Investment
Ellison emphasized the importance of growing Paramount+ as the company’s top priority. The overall investment in content for the streaming service will exceed $1.5 billion in 2026. This includes direct-to-consumer (DTC) investments with the UFC, Paramount+ Originals, and third-party catalog licensing, as well as expanding the company’s film slate.
Strategic Partnerships
In August 2023, Paramount entered a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with TKO, the parent company of UFC and WWE. This agreement designates Paramount+ as the primary streaming destination for UFC events in the U.S., which includes 13 numbered pay-per-view events.
Enhancing User Engagement
Ellison underlined the value of live sports in engaging viewers. The UFC partnership aims to attract new audiences, boost retention rates, and improve monetization. He noted that the UFC has over 100 million domestic fans, making it one of the fastest-growing sports globally.
Exclusive Programming and Subscriber Growth
Paramount+ has also secured a four-year exclusive deal with the Duffer Brothers, creators of “Stranger Things”. The company is committed to increasing its original content, including titles like “Tulsa King”, which has been the platform’s most-watched series in Q4. Upcoming releases include the new season of “Landman”, the revival of “Dexter: Resurrection”, and the final season of “Yellowjackets”.
Future Projections
- In Q3 2023, Paramount+ added 1.4 million new subscribers, bringing the total to 79 million.
- This is an increase from 77.7 million in Q2 and 79 million in Q1.
- Direct-to-consumer revenue reached $2.1 billion, marking a 17% year-over-year increase, with a 24% rise in Paramount+ revenue.
Ellison forecasts that the direct-to-consumer segment will become profitable in 2026, with expectations for continued growth in profitability.
