Saudi plans for UFC/WWE after pulling plug on LIV – Sports News
LIV Golf’s future could also be unsure after the Saudi Arabian PIF introduced it will cut its funding after the 2026 season, but it surely has no plans to change its involvement with the WWE, Zuffa Boxing, or the UFC.
The Saudi PIF has invested in a number of sports activities lately, making an attempt to rival the PGA Tour in golf and pump billions into the Saudi Pro League to disrupt soccer. Boxing has additionally seen a important makeover since Saudi Arabia obtained concerned.
After internet hosting main fights in Riyadh, the PIF invested in fight sports activities and leisure by way of TKO Holdings, which was fashioned when the UFC and WWE merged. White leads the UFC and likewise co-founded Zuffa Boxing alongside Turki Al-Sheikh, the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.
The UFC and the WWE have 10-year internet hosting offers with Saudi Arabia, however Zuffa Boxing is a separate enterprise. The group just lately paid Conor Benn up to $15 million on a one-fight deal, earlier than negotiating a multi-year, five-fight deal.
On Wednesday, TKO government Mark Shapiro insisted that Saudi Arabia’s assist is “unwavering,” easing fears that fight sports activities may very well be affected by cuts. “Our partners in Saudi Arabia have confirmed that [a LIV Golf-like divestment] will not be the case with TKO,” he stated to SBJ.
“Their commitment to our properties in 2026 and beyond is unwavering.” Shapiro additionally stated that TKO is “firmly moving ahead with scheduled events in Saudi Arabia and the region.”
After heavy hypothesis that LIV Golf’s funding was set to finish, the group launched a assertion on the finish of April confirming the reviews. “PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season,” a PIF spokesperson stated.
“The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy. This decision has been made in light of PIF’s investment priorities and current macro dynamics.
“The LIV Golf Board has created a committee of impartial administrators to guage strategic alternate options for its future past PIF’s funding horizon. LIV Golf has considerably grown the sport globally by way of its transformational and constructive influence.
“It has forever changed the game of golf for the better. PIF remains committed to deploying capital internationally in line with its investment strategy, including its substantial current and future investments in various sports as a priority sector.”
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