Saudi Arabia and TKO Group Forge Historic Partnership to Transform Global Boxing League

Saudi Arabia and TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC and WWE, have finalized a groundbreaking agreement to establish a new global boxing league. This multi-year partnership, backed by significant Saudi investment, aims to redefine the sport of boxing on an international scale.

Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, has been instrumental in the Kingdom's recent push into the boxing world. Under this deal, TKO Group will manage day-to-day operations, with UFC president Dana White and WWE president Nick Khan taking on key leadership roles as part of the executive team.

While details of the league's structure remain under wraps, it is expected to attract top talent and compete with established promoters such as Matchroom (Eddie Hearn), Top Rank (Bob Arum), and Queensberry (Frank Warren).

Saudi Arabia has already made significant strides in boxing, hosting marquee events like Tyson Fury's heavyweight bouts against Oleksandr Usyk in 2024. The Kingdom's 'Riyadh Season' has also expanded globally, featuring high-profile fights in Los Angeles and Wembley.

This partnership is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to diversify its economy, with over £5bn invested in sports since 2021. However, critics argue that such investments, including the creation of LIV Golf, serve as a form of 'sportswashing' aimed at improving the Kingdom's international image.

Despite the controversy, Mark Shapiro, TKO's president and COO, hailed the deal as a 'strategic opportunity to reimagine the sport of boxing globally.'

Boxing enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely as this new league takes shape, potentially reshaping the landscape of professional boxing.