TKO isn’t backing away from Saudi Arabia despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The company has continued building its WWE and UFC presence in the region, and TKO COO Mark Shapiro says demand for major events there is only getting stronger.
WWE will return to Saudi Arabia in November for Crown Jewel, while WrestleMania 43 is already set to take place in the country next year. UFC also has upcoming events scheduled for Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Conference, Shapiro pointed to WrestleMania 43 as one of TKO’s biggest events on the horizon and explained that Saudi Arabia continues to push for more live sports and entertainment.
“Obviously nothing bigger next year than WrestleMania being in Saudi Arabia, which will be one to remember and one not to miss. Of course, our partners in Saudi bring the UFC and WWE to their region because they’re trying to draw attendance from not just around the globe, but certainly in the Middle East.”
Shapiro then addressed the conflict in the region directly, saying TKO’s partners have no intention of slowing down and actually want more events as a way of showing the world that business is continuing.
“All I would tell you is when it comes to the Middle East, despite what’s going on, despite how much longer that may go on, they’re open for business. In fact, I would tell you they’re more hungry to bring live events, not just sports, but concerts to the Middle East to show the world and tourism and fans that they’re open for business and they’re not slowing down. We’ve stayed on track with our events for this year. We still have two more events this year.”
Shapiro also revealed that TKO could add even more events before the end of the year because the appetite for WWE, UFC and other live entertainment is exceeding what the company currently has available.
“We may actually announce a couple more this year. That’s how much demand we’re seeing, and I think that’s ultimately the headline among the headlines when it comes to TKO and where we sit in the sports entertainment ecosystem. Demand is outstripping supply.”
WWE’s relationship with Saudi Arabia dates back to 2014 and grew significantly in 2018 when the company entered a 10-year strategic partnership with the country. That relationship is now moving into an even bigger phase with WrestleMania 43, while TKO continues expanding UFC events across the Middle East as well.
There may be plenty of uncertainty surrounding the region, but TKO isn’t treating that as a reason to pull back. If anything, Shapiro’s comments make it sound like Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East could be getting even more WWE and UFC events in the months ahead.
What do you think about TKO continuing to expand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East despite the ongoing conflict? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know.
