Title: The Bill Simmons Podcast – "The UFC Cashes In, Plus a Truly Riveting 1990s Cowboys Documentary"

Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Ariel Helwani, Cousin Sal, Bryan Curtis
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Description: HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, featuring a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples.

Introduction

In this episode, Bill Simmons delves into two major sports topics: the monumental UFC deal with Paramount and an upcoming Netflix documentary about the 1990s Dallas Cowboys. Joined by UFC journalist Ariel Helwani, Cousin Sal, and Bryan Curtis, the discussion uncovers the ramifications of these developments for fans, fighters, and the sports media landscape.

1. The UFC-Paramount Deal

Overview: Bill Simmons and Ariel Helwani explore the groundbreaking $1.1 billion annual deal between UFC and Paramount, discussing its implications for the future of UFC broadcasting and the broader sports media environment.

Key Points:

• Deal Details and Surprises:

  • Paramount’s acquisition of UFC rights for $1.1 billion annually was unexpected, especially since industry insiders anticipated a split of PPV (Pay-Per-View) rights among multiple entities.
    • Quote: Ariel Helwani [05:31]: “We all thought they would go the way of the NFL, NBA, etc., where they would split it up among two or three different entities. They only go to one.”

• End of Pay-Per-View Era:

  • The new deal signifies a shift away from traditional numbered PPV events, making UFC content more accessible through streaming platforms like Paramount+ and CBS.
    • Quote: Ariel Helwani [06:40]: “The pay per view era is basically over. This is it now. Now the numbers are going to come down.”

• Impact on Fans:

  • Fans will benefit from lower costs and greater accessibility, transitioning from high-priced PPVs to more affordable streaming packages.
    • Quote: Ariel Helwani [05:31]: “This is a win for UFC fans because... it's way cheaper now to be a UFC fan.”

• Fighters’ Concerns:

  • Despite the deal’s benefits for accessibility, fighters are concerned about compensation as they currently receive no percentage of the deal, unlike revenue-sharing models in leagues like the NBA.
    • Quote: Ariel Helwani [06:40]: “They’re getting zero percent. So there’s many different permutations here, but overall... it’s a huge win, but the fighters are not benefiting directly.”

• Redbird’s Involvement:

  • Redbird, owning 22.5% of Paramount, played a crucial role in securing the entire UFC package, aiming to bolster Paramount’s sports portfolio.
    • Quote: Bill Simmons [09:05]: “Redbird owns 22.5% of Paramount... they really want to get into sports with Paramount.”

• Future of UFC Events:

  • Transition towards a WWE-like model with signature events replacing traditional PPVs, raising questions about event quality and fighter incentives.
    • Quote: Bill Simmons [17:08]: “I’m worried that now there’s not that pressure to stack the deck for the number shows because they are behind a pay wall.”

Discussion Highlights:

• Market Dynamics: The shift reflects changing consumer behaviors, especially among younger demographics who prefer on-demand content over traditional PPV models.
• Social Media and Marketing: Paramount and CBS will need to develop new strategies to engage UFC fans, as they previously relied on ESPN's extensive media presence.

2. The 1990s Dallas Cowboys Documentary

Overview: Bill Simmons, along with Cousin Sal and Bryan Curtis, discusses an upcoming Netflix documentary that explores the golden era of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s. They share their reactions, insights, and nostalgic memories tied to the team's legacy.

Key Points:

• Documentary Reception:

  • Sal and Curtis watched advanced copies and found the documentary exceptionally engaging, comparable to other famed sports documentaries like The Last Dance.
    • Quote: Cousin Sal [55:35]: “I fucking loved every... it was like a vial of crack with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.”

• Cultural Impact of the 90s Cowboys:

  • The documentary highlights the team's dominance, star players like Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin, and the leadership of Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson.
  • Internal conflicts and strategic decisions, such as the Herschel Walker trade, are examined.
    • Quote: Brian Curtis [67:46]: “When they traded Herschel Walker, I did not think that was a good idea.”

• Nostalgia vs. Reality:

  • Reflecting on how the team’s success was amplified by the media landscape of the 90s, contrasting with today’s sports media saturation.
    • Quote: Bill Simmons [58:59]: “Football was more violent, which I think is one of the great things about this doc.”

• Key Events and Personal Stories:

  • The show's recounting of pivotal games, player anecdotes, and off-field drama provides a comprehensive look at the team's journey.
    • Quote: Brian Curtis [77:08]: “Michael Irvin... he got addicted to being a character, not just an owner, not just a winner.”

Discussion Highlights:

• Shared Memories:

  • Bill, Sal, and Curtis reminisce about iconic games, player personalities, and the broader cultural significance of the Cowboys during the 90s.
    • Quote: Bill Simmons [56:10]: “As a little kid... it made it so much more important.”

• Documentary’s Storytelling:

  • The documentary effectively humanizes legends, uncovers hidden narratives, and offers a deep dive into the team's triumphs and struggles.
    • Quote: Cousin Sal [75:32]: “I have a new appreciation for Jerry Jones... I understand him more.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast offers a comprehensive analysis of two pivotal sports narratives: the UFC’s strategic shift with Paramount and the nostalgic exploration of the 1990s Dallas Cowboys. Through insightful discussions and personal anecdotes, Bill Simmons and his guests provide listeners with a deeper understanding of how these developments shape the future of sports entertainment and preserve the legacy of iconic sports franchises.

Notable Quotes:

• Ariel Helwani [05:31]: “This is a win for UFC fans because... it’s way cheaper now to be a UFC fan.”
• Ariel Helwani [06:40]: “They’re getting zero percent. So there’s many different permutations here, but overall... it’s a huge win, but the fighters are not benefiting directly.”
• Cousin Sal [55:35]: “I fucking loved every... it was like a vial of crack with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.”
• Brian Curtis [67:46]: “When they traded Herschel Walker, I did not think that was a good idea.”

This structured summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and memorable quotes with appropriate timestamps and speaker attributions. It provides a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.