TKO Group Announces Saudi Arabia Boxing Promotion Deal

TKO Group Holdings, which owns both the UFC and WWE, has signed a multi-year agreement with Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority to establish a new boxing promotion. This venture, announced by Turki Alalshikh, aims to leverage Saudi Arabia's significant investment in boxing, which has included hosting major fights featuring stars like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Dana White and Nick Khan will lead the executive team for the promotion, which will manage day-to-day operations. While the details regarding the league's structure and participants remain unclear, it is anticipated that it will follow a competitive format where the best fighters contend for titles. Critics of the partnership argue that Saudi Arabia's investments in sports are part of a strategy known as 'sportswashing' to improve its global image amid human rights concerns. The first event for this new boxing promotion is set to take place in 2026.