TKO Group, owners of WWE & UFC, team up with Saudi's PIF to create new boxing league: Report

A new boxing league is in the works

TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE and UFC, are reportedly on the verge of launching a new boxing league in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), according to The New York times. The collaboration aims to venture into the boxing world, focusing on emerging talent and expanding TKO’s influence in combat sports.

The idea of creating a boxing league aligns with TKO’s strategy of leveraging its stronghold in combat sports. Mark Shapiro, TKO’s COO, hinted at the concept during the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference, stating the league would likely involve a Middle Eastern investment partner. Although no official announcement has been made, the New York Times reports that talks are progressing.

Dana White, UFC’s CEO and a member of TKO’s board, has long been an advocate for boxing. Following Conor McGregor’s 2017 fight against Floyd Mayweather, White explored Zuffa Boxing, though the project stalled. However, White’s recent comments and meetings with key figures like Saudi sports authority head Turki Alalshikh suggest renewed momentum.

Saudi Arabia’s PIF continues to deepen its involvement in combat sports. After staging high-profile boxing events such as Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou and Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, PIF’s partnership with TKO marks another significant step in solidifying the Kingdom’s presence in the sports world.

Dana White acknowledged during a press conference that patience has been critical: “Everything is about timing. Is now the time? We’re going to find out.” This calculated approach underscores TKO’s aim to enter boxing with a strong, sustainable model, avoiding past pitfalls in the industry.

While details such as the league’s name and structure remain under wraps, TKO’s interest in boxing signals its ambition to dominate yet another combat sports domain. Should this league materialize, it could redefine the pathways for rising boxing talents and reshape the global boxing scene.

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