TKO Group says Saudi Arabia support of events 'unwavering'
Jul 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view outside of Ball Arena before the start of Fight Night. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images TKO Group revealed Friday in an earnings call with investors that Saudi Arabia will continue its financial partnership with UFC and WWE owners.
"Our partners in Saudi Arabia have confirmed that (a financial divestment) will not be the case with TKO," president and COO Mark Shapiro of TKO holdings said to Sports Business Journal. "Their commitment to our properties in 2026 and beyond is unwavering."
Questions about Saudi Arabia's commitment to sports-related entities arose amid the news that the country's Public Investment Fund had elected to stop funding its LIV Golf league following the 2026 season.
Saudi Arabia is scheduled to move forward with multiple UFC and WWE events in the region.
According to Yahoo Sports, TKO has six events scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia between UFC, Zuffa Boxing and WWE.
WWE events have taken place in Saudi Arabia since 2018, with that partnership set to continue at least through 2027.
--Field Level Media
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