Saudis will not divest in TKO partnerships amid LIV Golf pullout

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Saudis will not divest in TKO partnerships amid LIV Golf pullout

Saudis will not divest in TKO partnerships amid LIV Golf pullout

Saudi Arabia will continue honoring its financial commitments to TKO Group, owner of the UFC and WWE, despite a reallocation of resources resulting in the entity pulling funding from LIV Golf following the 2026 season. TKO Group president Mark Shapiro assured investors of Saudi Arabia’s commitment d

Saudis will not divest in TKO partnerships amid LIV Golf pullout

Saudi Arabia will continue honoring its financial commitments to TKO Group, owner of the UFC and WWE, despite a reallocation of resources resulting in the entity pulling funding from LIV Golf following the 2026 season. TKO Group president Mark Shapiro assured investors of Saudi Arabia’s commitment during the company’s quarterly earnings call on Wednesday. “Our…

In a move that's sending ripples through the sports world, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is pulling the plug on LIV Golf after the 2026 season—a decision that's raised eyebrows across the industry. But here's the good news for combat sports and wrestling fans: the Kingdom's deep pockets aren't closing up shop everywhere. TKO Group, the powerhouse behind the UFC and WWE, has just received a rock-solid vote of confidence from their Saudi partners.

During TKO's quarterly earnings call on Wednesday, company president Mark Shapiro put any rumors to rest with a clear message: "Our partners in Saudi Arabia have confirmed that [a LIV Golf-like divestment] will not be the case with TKO. Their commitment to our properties in 2026 and beyond is unwavering." It's a statement that should have fans breathing easy—especially with six major events already on the calendar in Saudi Arabia, spanning WWE, UFC, and the emerging Zuffa Boxing scene.

This isn't just business as usual—it's a sign of a partnership that's working. While LIV Golf reportedly hemorrhaged billions since its 2022 launch, TKO's relationship with Saudi Arabia has been a different story. WWE has been running Premium Live Events in the Kingdom since 2018, with a deal that runs through 2027, and the newly formed Zuffa Boxing is a direct collaboration between TKO and the Saudi General Entertainment Authority. It's a partnership built on results, not just promises.

For sports fans and apparel enthusiasts alike, this means one thing: the show goes on. Whether you're gearing up for a UFC fight night, a WWE championship clash, or the next big boxing spectacle, you can count on seeing these events live from Saudi Arabia. And with TKO "firmly moving ahead" as Shapiro put it, there's plenty more action—and merchandise—on the horizon.

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