Paramount+ to stream PBR's 'Unleash the Beast' in new five-year deal

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  Sports and Competition on Thu, Nov 06th, 2025 by reuters.com

Paramount Global Secures Five‑Year Streaming Deal with Beast to Expand Global Reach

Paramount Global announced on November 5 , 2025 that it has struck a landmark five‑year distribution agreement with the rapidly growing over‑the‑top (OTT) platform Beast, a move that is set to broaden the reach of Paramount’s vast content library beyond its own streaming arm, Paramount+. The deal, valued at an estimated $200 million in upfront payments and a revenue‑share arrangement that could bring an additional $350 million in net revenue over the life of the contract, signals a new chapter in Paramount’s strategy to counter the fierce competition from Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming giants.

A Strategic Alliance with a Rising OTT Player

Beast, which launched in 2023 and has since carved out a niche in the Asian streaming market, boasts a subscriber base of 12 million across China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The platform is known for its focus on high‑quality original content and partnerships with local producers. By aligning with Beast, Paramount seeks to tap into the region’s growing appetite for premium international programming while giving Beast access to a library of more than 200 000 titles, including its flagship originals such as “The Good Wife,” “Star Trek: Discovery,” and “The Mandalorian” as well as a portfolio of blockbuster films from Paramount Pictures.

“We are thrilled to partner with Beast, an innovative platform that shares our commitment to delivering world‑class entertainment to audiences worldwide,” said Brian Roberts, President and CEO of Paramount Global. “This deal is a strategic extension of our distribution model, allowing us to bring our beloved characters and stories to new markets while reinforcing Beast’s content pipeline with a mix of library and original programming.”

Beast’s CEO, Mei‑Ling Chen, added, “The addition of Paramount’s library will enrich our catalog and help us retain and grow subscribers. By integrating Paramount’s iconic franchises with our local production strengths, we can offer a truly differentiated viewing experience.”

Key Components of the Deal

The agreement is structured around several core components:

1. Content Licensing – Paramount will license its entire library of films, series, and documentaries to Beast for a five‑year term. This includes all current and future Paramount+ originals that are cleared for international distribution. In return, Paramount will receive a tiered revenue share of 35 % on subscription and transaction revenues generated by Beast in the territories covered by the agreement.

2. Co‑Production Opportunities – Paramount and Beast will jointly produce at least three new original series during the term of the contract. These co‑productions will be developed with an eye toward local audience preferences, and will be distributed simultaneously on both Paramount+ (in regions where Paramount operates) and Beast.

3. Marketing and Promotion – Both parties will collaborate on cross‑promotion campaigns, including joint advertising, social media initiatives, and event sponsorships. Paramount will also contribute to Beast’s marketing budget for the launch of the “Paramount Channel” within the Beast platform.

4. Data Sharing and Analytics – The deal includes a data‑sharing component that will allow Paramount to access aggregated viewership metrics from Beast. This information will inform future content development and strategic decisions for both companies.

Expanding Beyond Paramount+

Paramount’s long‑term goal is to maximize its content’s reach while preserving the integrity of its brand. “While Paramount+ remains the core of our direct‑to‑consumer strategy, we recognize the importance of partnering with platforms that have a strong foothold in key international markets,” Roberts said. “This is the first of many strategic alliances that will allow us to diversify our distribution and revenue streams.”

In addition to the Beast partnership, Paramount has recently signed a separate, albeit smaller, agreement with streaming service Tubi for the rights to stream selected Paramount titles in the United States and Canada. The company is also in advanced discussions with the streaming arm of Amazon Prime Video to explore the distribution of certain original content in Latin America.

Industry Context

The streaming landscape has become increasingly crowded, with a record number of services launching new original content each year. Analysts say that strategic partnerships—such as the one between Paramount and Beast—are becoming essential for studios to maintain market relevance and profitability. According to a recent report by Deloitte, studios that partner with regional OTT platforms can see up to a 25 % increase in global reach and a 15 % boost in subscription revenue within the first year of collaboration.

Beast’s rapid growth has been fueled in part by its focus on “original, localized content” that resonates with Asian audiences. By integrating Paramount’s internationally recognized titles, Beast hopes to elevate its position against competitors such as iQIYI, Tencent Video, and Viu. “We are excited to combine our strengths,” Chen said. “Paramount brings a level of storytelling and production quality that complements our commitment to delivering content that speaks to local tastes.”

Looking Ahead

The partnership is slated to take effect in Q3 2026, aligning with Beast’s planned expansion into the Middle East and Africa. Both companies have indicated that the deal will be revisited after the first year to assess performance and explore additional collaboration opportunities, such as shared investment in technology infrastructure and joint marketing ventures.

For Paramount Global, the Beast agreement represents a forward‑looking move designed to secure a steady stream of revenue and to broaden its footprint in the global streaming arena. For Beast, the partnership offers an injection of high‑profile content and the prestige of being associated with a major Hollywood studio.

Together, Paramount and Beast aim to set a new standard for cross‑border content distribution, leveraging the strengths of both entities to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience to audiences around the world.