The Guardian has issued a new report focused on TKO Group, in light of WWE’s parent company receiving payment from Paramount Skydance for broadcast rights to Zuffa Boxing.
A look at the new entity, whose contracts read very similar to those of UFC fighters, also puts a spotlight on support for amendments made to the Ali Act, from venues such as Madison Square Garden to various officials with state athletic commissions, who have stated that TKO and Zuffa “play hardball” due to the amount of revenue generated from WWE and UFC, with one regulator adding that they are “very good at instilling fear.”
Per the report, TKO is believed to be getting $100 million per year for 12 boxing cards, a wide gap from the $1.1 billion UFC gets per year for 40-plus numbered events and Fight Night cards as part of their new seven year domestic rights deal.
TKO Group was formed in September 2023, a merger of WWE and UFC that has come under scrutiny with an ongoing lawsuit regarding the nature of the transaction.
Source: F4WOnline