WWE Plans Three Saudi Arabia Premium Live Events in 2026

WWE is set to host three premium live events in Saudi Arabia in 2026, starting with the Royal Rumble. This expansion comes after financial assessments indicated a need for increased revenue. TKO recently announced plans for dividends and aims to strengthen its presence in the Middle East through these events.

In 2026, the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) will expand its presence in Saudi Arabia beyond the previously announced Royal Rumble, planning to hold three premium live events (PLEs) in total. This decision comes in light of WWE’s strategy to extend its market reach, which includes hosting various events in the region since 2018. These events have spanned significant WWE programming, inviting an international audience to engage with their brand.

The Royal Rumble is set to be the first WWE PLE hosted outside of North America, with Riyadh confirmed as the venue. The decision to organize additional events in Saudi Arabia aligns with WWE’s ambitions to bolster revenues. According to CFO Andrew Schleimer during TKO’s earnings call, a reduced event schedule was projected to negatively affect the company’s revenue plan by approximately $55 million for 2025, necessitating this strategic shift.

Furthermore, TKO announced a dividend payout of $75 million to shareholders, indicating financial engagement despite challenges faced since the parent company’s acquisition in 2023. The announcement of three events indicates WWE’s commitment to significant growth in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle Eastern region, capitalizing on existing interests and market potential.

In conclusion, WWE’s plan to host three major events in Saudi Arabia in 2026, including the Royal Rumble, demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding its international presence. This strategic move is anticipated to enhance revenue streams, especially after financial projections indicated that fewer events could result in substantial losses. WWE’s ongoing relationship with Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen, marking a pivotal shift in the organization’s global strategy.

Original Source: tjrwrestling.net