Posted on 5/08/126 by Colin Vassallo
TKO Chief Operating Officer and President Mark Shapiro
announced yesterday that their partners in Saudi Arabia will
not be withdrawing their funding like they did with LIV
Golf.
“Their commitment to our properties in 2026 and beyond is
unwavering. As such, after these two events, we expect the
remainder of our 2026 slate in the Middle East comprised of
six events inclusive of UFC, WWE and Zuffa Boxing to take
place as planned,” Shapiro told investors during the
conference call.
“The demand is real, our partners are committed and we are
leaning in. TKO benefits from having defensive model
business characteristics,” he added.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund was financing LIV Golf
but it recently announced that it will be ending its funding
after the 2026 season.
WWE has greatly benefited from Saudi Arabia, doing $50
million per show it produces in the Kingdom, and was paid
way more for the Royal Rumble. The fee TKO will get from
holding WrestleMania there next year will surpass any amount
imaginable for a single event in the history of the company.