'Draining Bank Accounts:' Paramount+ Users Furious Over Reason for New Price Increase

Across the streaming landscape, price hikes are an unfortunate but inevitable tradition at this point. However, while many subscribers across popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ have almost come to expect price increases, the latest news has struck a nerve with many viewers. Subscribers took to social media to vent their frustration with Paramount+'s price increase, but the source of anger goes beyond the cost of their monthly bill. Instead, many took issue with the specific timing and the reasoning behind it. The price increase by Paramount+ takes effect right around the time the platform debuts its new seven-year, multi-billion-dollar partnership with the UFC.

UFC Price Hike: Why Paramount+'s Timing Feels Strategic

In late 2025, Paramount+ and the UFC agreed to a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal that officially began on Jan. 1, 2026, and runs through 2033. Now, as the first fight card under the new partnership, UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett on Saturday, Jan. 24, draws near, Paramount+'s price increase is set to take effect.

With Paramount+ becoming the exclusive home for UFC events moving forward, the timing couldn't be more significant. Tack on the fact that Paramount+ hadn't increased its streaming prices since mid-2024, and it's even more eyebrow-raising.

Although the price to continue streaming on Paramount+ is far from ideal, there is a silver lining: it's a very small jump, as IGN detailed. This may be due to the likelihood that the service quickly adds new subscribers when UFC fans look to tune in for upcoming cards.

Here's a look at the rundown of Paramount's upcoming price increases for its two packages:

• Paramount Plus Essential: Originally $8 per month
  Increasing to $9/month Annual option increasing from $60 to $90/year
• Paramount Plus Premium: Originally $13 per month
  Increasing to $14/month Annual option increasing from $120 to $140/year

Per the rundown of price changes, it's also noted that Paramount+ will no longer offer a free trial to new subscribers. This decision could be an effort to prevent UFC viewers from using only the free trial for a specific fight card.

Reactions to Paramount+'s Price Increase Show Streaming Fatigue Is Setting In

Although the monthly subscription price for Paramount+ isn't terrible, given that many fans previously had to purchase UFC fight cards on pay-per-view, it's still frustrating for those who aren't avid followers of the sport. It's worth noting that under the terms of the deal, certain UFC events will also be available to watch on CBS, but that may be a moot point as fans will still need a Paramount+ subscription for most cards.

The response from users on social media was overwhelming just before the price hike kicked in, with some highlighting that it feels like all streaming services are increasing in price.

"Everyone is increasing their prices…It’s almost like the elites are trying to drain everyone’s bank accounts," said one disgruntled reader.

Others pointed to the impact this shows sports have on many viewers, essentially highlighting that fandom will lead most to subscribe regardless.

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"I’ve paid for ESPN+, Netflix, and now Paramount+, and I still just want to watch UFC without friction. They keep raising prices because they know we are addicted to live sports. I hate it, but I still tap subscribe," read one comment.

Although some people appear set to just deal with the price increase, as the general frustration goes far beyond Paramount+, others vowed to cancel their service.

"...canceling paramount now, already did it with netflix and im assuming disney+ is next, cable tv with a DVR box seems to be the most cost effective way to watch TV again," replied a user.

While Paramount+'s price increase is spread to all users, some spoke out with wishful thinking that they could have an option to "opt out and never see UFC." Others added that this price increase may be only the first subscribers see in 2026, projecting another jump later in the year.

Regardless, even though Paramount+ subscribers have known for some time about the impending price increase, the responses show that streaming fatigue is real. With so many streaming services offering a broad range of content, leading viewers to subscribe to several, it feels like price jumps are coming constantly. Paramount+ may only be increasing its monthly bill for viewers by one dollar, but for many, that's just one of multiple increases hitting their bank accounts across the streaming landscape.

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