TKO says WWE’s Nick Khan maintains a’strong’ relationship with Saudi Arabia in todays Wrestling news
Mark Shapiro addresses whether WWE could expand their Saudi relationship
WWE’s business relationship in Saudi Arabia is strong even though Vince McMahon no longer works there.
WWE has been holding PPVs/PLEs as part of a contract with the Saudi government since 2018. WWE will hold two events per year in Saudi Arabia, and receive an estimated $50 million each time. King & Queen of the Ring, which will take place on May 25, is the next event in the series.
Turki Alsheikh, a Saudi official, told ESPN recently that a “enhancement’ to WWE’s Saudi Arabia deal will be announced in the coming weeks. Alsheikh stated that Saudi Arabia hopes to host a future Royal Rumble, or WrestleMania.
Mark Shapiro, TKO Group’s executive, was asked during the first quarter earnings call if WWE could expand its Saudi relationship. Shapiro said WWE may look to expand the number of shows held in Saudi Arabia, but that nothing was planned beyond the two events each year.
Shapiro stated that while there were rumors that McMahon’s departure could negatively impact the WWE-Saudi Arabia partnership, WWE President Nick Khan maintained a “very strong relationship” with Saudi Arabia.
I would say that we have a healthy and strong relationship with the Kingdom, through WWE, and two annual events every year. And I’ll remind everyone… those deals were primarily tied to Vince McMahon. There was a lot speculation about how Vince’s departure would affect the relationship. Would they want to get out?’ I would say that Nick Khan in particular has developed, sustained, cultivated and nurtured a very strong relationship after Vince handed it over.
They [Nick Khan, and Saudi Arabia] both have a great deal of trust in one another. They have a great deal of faith. We have delivered on these events. We could potentially do more events but at this point, nothing is planned. We will continue to eventize or festivalize WWE events.
This week, TKO and UFC announced an extension of their partnership with Saudi Arabia.
TKO says WWE’s Nick Khan maintains a’strong’ relationship with Saudi Arabia in todays Wrestling news, Chatalong Chatbox, Results will be Hidden inside a spoiler Button so you will not bet spoiled about direct results.
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