TKO Group Enters Boxing Promotion with Saudi Arabia Partnership
TKO Group is launching a boxing promotion in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, aiming to enhance the sport’s global presence. Led by notable figures such as Dana White and Nick Khan, the inaugural event is set for 2026. This venture is part of Saudi Arabia’s larger sports investment strategy under the Vision 2030 initiative, although it faces criticism regarding the country’s image management efforts.
TKO Group, home to WWE and UFC, is venturing into boxing promotion through a new multiyear partnership with Saudi Arabia. This collaboration involves Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, and Sela, a subsidiary of the country’s Public Investment Fund. TKO will oversee the promotion’s operations, with Dana White as UFC’s president, and Nick Khan serving as WWE’s president and TKO board member. The inaugural boxing event is scheduled for 2026.
While TKO did not disclose the promotion’s name, it will provide access to the UFC Performance Institute, which has facilities in Las Vegas, Mexico City, and Shanghai. TKO’s responsibilities will encompass production, media, and event promotion with global broadcasting. Aside from this announcement, further details regarding the promotion’s launch remain scarce.
Mark Shapiro, TKO’s president and chief operating officer, expressed enthusiasm by stating, “This is a strategic opportunity to reimagine the sport of boxing globally.” He emphasized TKO’s extensive experience and relationships, along with Alalshikh and Sela’s shared vision for the sport’s evolution. This endeavor aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader investment in global sports, steered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia is actively hosting various sports events, such as Formula 1 races and LIV Golf, and has staged significant boxing matches, including Tyson Fury’s recent bout. Additionally, the kingdom is committed to hosting WWE events over the next decade and aims to hold the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Such investments are part of the Vision 2030 project, which seeks to modernize the nation’s economy and society through a $900 billion sovereign wealth fund.
Although the initiatives are substantial, critics allege that Saudi Arabia’s endeavors are a form of “sportswashing,” aimed at enhancing its international image amidst global scrutiny. Recently, Alalshikh acquired Ring Magazine and is set to feature a boxing card in Times Square on May 2, 2024, with notable fighters such as Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.
This partnership symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s most extensive collaboration with leading figures in mixed martial arts and professional wrestling to advance boxing. Alalshikh stated, “This landmark partnership between industry powerhouses sets the stage for an unparalleled experience for boxers and fans,” highlighting their commitment to developing talent and crafting exceptional events in the sport’s landscape.
In conclusion, TKO Group’s entry into boxing promotion through a partnership with Saudi Arabia marks a significant development in the sports industry. With plans for a major boxing event in 2026 and access to state-of-the-art training facilities, TKO aims to elevate the sport globally. This venture is part of a broader strategy by Saudi Arabia to enhance its global sports influence, while also facing challenges related to its image. Overall, this initiative represents a transformative opportunity for boxing and its place in the worldwide sports arena.
Original Source: apnews.com
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