WWE has had a lucrative partnership with Saudi Arabia since 2018, earning substantial revenue from premium live events. Plans to expand this relationship include increasing the number of events in the Kingdom despite some criticism about prioritizing profit over tradition. Notably, the 2026 Royal Rumble will take place in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant departure from its historical venue in North America.
Since establishing a working relationship with the Saudi Arabian government in 2018, WWE has hosted numerous major premium live events (PLEs) as part of a long-term agreement with the Saudi General Entertainment Authority. This collaboration has proven financially beneficial for WWE, generating significant revenue.
Despite the lucrative arrangements, WWE continues to expand its ties with Saudi Arabia, with expectations to receive approximately $100 million annually for hosting two PLEs in the region. However, this partnership has faced scrutiny as WWE has shifted mega-events away from traditional Western markets, fostering debate about the extent of its financial dependencies on Saudi Arabia.
The Chief Financial Officer of TKO Group Holdings, Andrew Schleimer, announced plans to increase the number of PLEs in Saudi Arabia. Although WWE is scheduled to hold only one event in Saudi Arabia in 2025, which is anticipated to result in a $55 million loss, the company plans to recover by hosting three PLEs in the Kingdom by 2026.
Significantly, the 2026 Royal Rumble is set to take place in Saudi Arabia, marking the first occurrence of this event outside North America. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to position itself as a global sports and entertainment hub and underscores WWE’s deepening commitment to the Kingdom, prompting varied reactions from the wrestling community regarding the prioritization of financial gain over traditional values.
WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia exemplifies its extensive financial ties, yielding considerable revenue through hosting premium live events. The strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia is indicative of a larger trend within the company, facing both support and criticism. The upcoming 2026 Royal Rumble signifies a historic shift in WWE’s operations, further entrenching the company within the Saudi entertainment landscape.
Original Source: ringsideintel.com
