TKO Group, the company behind both WWE and UFC, has signed a multi-year agreement with the Saudi General Entertainment Authority to create a new boxing organization.
Under the leadership of UFC President Dana White and WWE President Nick Khan, who is also a TKO board member, TKO will manage and oversee the daily operations of this new boxing venture.
The inaugural event is planned for 2026.
The name of the league, in partnership with Saudi chairman Turki Alalshikh and Sela, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has not yet been announced by TKO.
Turki Alalshikh stated on X, “Today marks a new chapter in boxing history. I’m excited about this significant partnership with those I consider to be the best in the sport. Together, we will take boxing to unprecedented levels.”
This new project is the latest example of Saudi Arabia’s large investments in global sports, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia already hosts a Formula 1 race, funds LIV Golf, has hosted numerous major boxing events, has a 10-year agreement to host WWE events, and will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This World Cup hosting is considered the kingdom’s most significant achievement in its sports expansion efforts.
The kingdom intends to invest tens of billions of dollars in projects related to the World Cup, as part of Crown Prince’s Vision 2030, which aims to modernize Saudi society and its economy.
A central component of this is the significant sports spending by the Public Investment Fund, the $900 billion sovereign wealth fund overseen by Salman.
