TKO confirms Middle East schedule remains on track
Summary
– WWE and UFC are still moving forward with planned Saudi Arabia and Middle East events
– Mark Shapiro said TKO’s regional partners remain committed through 2026 and beyond
– WWE Night of Champions and a UFC Fight Night are scheduled for June 27
WWE and UFC are still moving ahead with their planned Middle East schedule despite what TKO described as a challenging environment.
TKO president Mark Shapiro addressed the situation during Wednesday’s investor call. He said the company remains committed to its scheduled events in the region, including WWE Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and UFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan on June 27.
Shapiro said those events remain on track because of TKO’s commitment and the support of its regional partners. He also noted that Saudi Arabia’s partners have assured TKO that their backing of WWE, UFC, and other properties will continue into 2026 and beyond.
The update comes as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has reportedly pulled funding from LIV Golf. Shapiro made it clear that TKO does not expect the same issue to affect its relationship with Saudi partners.
After the June 27 events, TKO still expects six additional WWE, UFC, and Zuffa Boxing events to take place in the Middle East as planned. Shapiro said demand remains strong and that the company intends to keep leaning into the region.
WWE President Nick Khan recently said the company would only return to Saudi Arabia if it were safe and if it were allowed to operate there. TKO’s latest comments suggest the company currently expects those plans to move forward.
