TKO could add more events in the Middle East before the end of 2026. TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro said the company is considering new dates in the region due to strong demand.
Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference on Tuesday, Shapiro said TKO’s schedule for the rest of the year is on track and the company still has two events ahead. He said new dates could still be added.
“We may actually announce a couple more this year. That’s how much demand we’re seeing.”
Shapiro said TKO’s partners in the Middle East remain interested in hosting major sports and entertainment events despite the region’s geopolitical climate. He said the goal is also to reinforce internationally that those markets continue to draw major events.
“Demand is outstripping supply.”
Fightful Wrestling @Fightful Follow That doesn’t necessarily mean WWE will add new Premium Live Events this year. Shapiro didn’t say which TKO properties could receive the additional dates, and the company also operates UFC and Zuffa Boxing in the Middle East.
The possibility had been discussed internally for several months. In May, Shapiro said TKO had six WWE, UFC and Zuffa Boxing events scheduled for the Middle East in the second half of the year. He said partners in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi were asking for more shows.
On the WWE side, the next event in Saudi Arabia is confirmed for November 7, when Crown Jewel takes place at the Riyadh Season Stadium at KAFD in Riyadh.
WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia takes an even bigger step in 2027, when Riyadh hosts WrestleMania 43, the first WrestleMania held outside North America.
For now, Shapiro did not reveal which cities, brands or dates are involved in the potential new events for 2026. The only concrete indication is that TKO is looking to increase its schedule in the region, facing what Shapiro himself described as demand that already outpaces supply.