Subhojeet Mukherjee on May 6, 2026
TKO Group Holdings has made it clear that its partnership with Saudi Arabia isn’t slowing down despite rising tensions in the Middle East.
After Nick Khan recently confirmed that WWE was closely monitoring safety conditions ahead of Night of Champions on June 27 in Riyadh, a new update from TKO leadership now makes the company’s overall stance even clearer.
During the TKO financials media call, Mark Shapiro addressed the company’s plans for both WWE and Ultimate Fighting Championship events in the region and stated that TKO is fully moving forward with its scheduled Middle East business.
“I want to address activity in the Middle East and neighboring markets. First and foremost, we are firmly moving ahead with our scheduled events.”
Shapiro specifically pointed to the major June 27 doubleheader that will see UFC and WWE both running events in the region on the same night.
“UFC returns to Azerbaijan with Fight Night Baku on June 27. That same night, WWE hosts Night of Champions from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.”
He also framed the events as a statement about TKO’s commitment to the region despite the ongoing geopolitical situation.
“This historic double header reflects a commitment by our respective partners and us to bring world-class events to fans across the region, even and despite a challenging environment.”
Another major point involved Saudi Arabia’s financial commitment to TKO properties moving forward. Shapiro directly addressed concerns following reports about Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund pulling back support from LIV Golf, making it clear that TKO’s relationship remains intact.
“Our partners in Saudi Arabia have confirmed that will not be the case with TKO. Their commitment to our properties in 2026 and beyond is unwavering.”
According to Shapiro, the company currently expects all remaining Middle East events scheduled for 2026 to continue as planned.
“After these two events, we expect the remainder of our 2026 events in the Middle East, comprised of six events, to take place as planned.”
He closed by reinforcing that TKO sees strong long-term value in continuing business throughout the region.
“The demand is real, our partners are committed, and we are leaning in.”
This comes shortly after Nick Khan stated during a TKO town hall that WWE would only proceed with Saudi Arabia if conditions were deemed safe for talent and staff travel. Khan also noted that WWE leadership continues working closely with security officials and government affairs teams while monitoring developments in the region.
Despite growing concerns surrounding instability in the Middle East, TKO is making it clear that WWE and UFC’s Saudi Arabia partnership remains a major priority. Not only is Night of Champions still moving forward for now, but the company expects its broader Middle East expansion plans to continue well beyond 2026.
Do you think WWE and UFC should continue running major events in Saudi Arabia despite ongoing regional tensions, or should TKO reconsider those plans moving forward? Let us know your thoughts.
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