During an earnings call with investors on Friday, TKO Group disclosed that Saudi Arabia will maintain its financial partnership with the owners of UFC and WWE. Mark Shapiro, president and COO of TKO Holdings, told Sports Business Journal, “Our partners in Saudi Arabia have confirmed that a financial divestment will not happen with TKO. Their dedication to our properties in 2026 and beyond remains unwavering.”
Concerns about Saudi Arabia’s financial support for sports ventures emerged after reports that the country’s Public Investment Fund decided to cease funding LIV Golf after the 2026 season. However, Saudi Arabia is still set to proceed with multiple UFC and WWE events in the region. According to Yahoo Sports, TKO has six events planned in Saudi Arabia, spanning UFC, Zuffa Boxing, and WWE.
WWE has hosted events in Saudi Arabia since 2018, and that partnership is expected to continue through at least 2027.
