TKO has officially stepped into the world of boxing.

The parent company of UFC and WWE announced on Wednesday that it has signed a multi-year agreement with HE Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. The deal aims to establish a premier boxing promotion, offering a top-tier platform for both seasoned fighters and rising stars as reported by Sportsnet.

In collaboration with Saudi entertainment and sports firm Sela, TKO will serve as the managing partner, overseeing day-to-day operations. Leadership will be spearheaded by UFC President and CEO Dana White, alongside WWE President and TKO board member Nick Khan.

Details regarding fighter signings, event schedules, venues, and host locations will be revealed in the coming months. Additionally, the new promotion will feature a structured development and training system for emerging talent, with TKO handling television production.

TKO AND BOXING MEET

 

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“This is a strategic opportunity to redefine boxing on a global scale,” said TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro. “With our deep expertise, promotional strength, and industry relationships, along with HE Turki Alalshikh and Sela’s shared vision, we are poised to elevate the sport and restore its prominence in the global sports landscape.”

HE Turki Alalshikh echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “This groundbreaking partnership between industry leaders will create an unmatched experience for both fighters and fans. We are committed to fostering the next generation of boxing talent and delivering world-class events at a pivotal moment for the sport.”

VIDEO: President and CEO of WWE, Nick Khan, who is involved in the TKO Boxing League deal, said in a 2023 interview (via VolumeSports) that a decline of boxing started when the fights went behind a TV paywall.

🗣”One of the unfortunate things that happened to Boxing, is they… pic.twitter.com/9ypRPD8U6G

— The Last Round (@thelastround12) March 5, 2025

Boxing’s presence in the U.S. has waned in recent years following the exits of HBO and Showtime from the space. However, the sport has seen renewed interest, fueled by high-profile fighters such as Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua. Last year’s blockbuster Paul-Mike Tyson fight set new records for Netflix, signaling a shift in audience engagement.

With this new venture, TKO is betting on boxing’s resurgence, aiming to reestablish its status in the U.S. while capitalizing on its growing popularity worldwide.

Dana White has officially entered boxing. Dana stated last month that his league will be “The HBO of Boxing”‼️

Here’s what you need to know:

– The league is funded by Saudi Arabia (Good for fighters).
– TKO Group will produce the shows with state of the art broadcast… pic.twitter.com/NrKEfZbRK6

— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) March 5, 2025