WWE Expands Presence in Saudi Arabia with Three Events Planned for 2026
WWE plans to host three premium live events in Saudi Arabia in 2026, starting with the Royal Rumble. This decision arises from the company’s need to boost revenue, having projected significant losses from hosting fewer events. TKO also announced a dividend payout to investors amidst this strategic expansion.
WWE is set to increase its presence in Saudi Arabia by hosting three premium live events (PLEs) in 2026, starting with the Royal Rumble. This marks the first time the Royal Rumble will occur outside of North America, solidifying Riyadh’s status as a significant location for WWE events. Previous PLEs held in the region included major shows such as the Greatest Royal Rumble and Crown Jewel, showcasing WWE’s commitment to expanding its international reach.
During TKO’s recent earnings call, Chief Financial Officer Andrew Schleimer emphasized the negative financial impact of hosting only one PLE in Saudi Arabia in 2025, projecting a loss of approximately $55 million in total company revenue. To mitigate this loss, he confirmed the scheduling of three major events in Saudi Arabia for 2026, including the Royal Rumble. This strategic decision underscores WWE’s priorities in maximizing revenues and enhancing its portfolio in lucrative markets.
Additionally, TKO announced a $75 million payout to investors as part of a stockholders’ dividend, highlighting a commitment to shareholder interests amid a backdrop of cutbacks affecting WWE staff following corporate changes in 2023. This announcement comes at a challenging time for the company, as it navigates the complexities of growth and investment strategy in a competitive entertainment landscape.
In summary, WWE’s plans for 2026 reflect a strategic initiative to host three significant events in Saudi Arabia, initiating with the Royal Rumble. This expansion is essential for bolstering company revenues, as indicated by TKO’s financial assessments. Such decisions also highlight WWE’s ongoing efforts to engage its investor community while adapting to recent organizational changes.
Original Source: tjrwrestling.net
