Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, announced a partnership with TKO Group, the parent company of UFC and WWE, to establish a new boxing promotion. The leadership of this new venture will include UFC president Dana White and WWE president Nick Khan.
While the official name of the promotion is yet to be announced, plans are in place to organize the inaugural boxing event in 2026. A key focus will be on creating a comprehensive system for nurturing emerging boxing talent worldwide, incorporating athlete combines and academies.
Boxers in this new promotion will have access to the UFC Performance Institute’s facilities in Las Vegas, Mexico City, and Shanghai. TKO’s production and media team will be responsible for the in-arena experience and global broadcasting of events.
Alalshikh emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating it will provide an exceptional platform for boxers and fans alike. He highlighted the commitment to developing the next generation of boxing stars and delivering top-tier events, recognizing the sport’s potential for growth.
This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader investment in international sports under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Since October 2023, Alalshikh and Sela, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, have been instrumental in organizing major boxing events, starting with the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou fight. They have moved away from traditional boxing undercards, instead focusing on creating cards filled with competitive matches, primarily held in Saudi Arabia, but also in cities like Los Angeles and London.
Alalshikh’s recent acquisition of The Ring magazine, a boxing publication established in 1922, further underscores his commitment to the sport. His first event under The Ring banner is scheduled for May 2 in Times Square, featuring prominent boxers in separate matches.
Alalshikh has been involved in organizing numerous high-profile boxing matches, including Fury-Usyk and Bivol-Beterbiev fights, collaborating with various promoters.
These events are set to continue, and the launch of this boxing league with Dana White and Nick Khan represents a significant step forward. All three individuals are recognized as leading figures in the combat sports industry.
Dana White acknowledged boxing as his starting point in combat sports and expressed his belief in Alalshikh’s transformative impact on the sport. He praised Alalshikh’s investment, dedication, and vision for boxing, stating his trust in this partnership.
Alalshikh echoed this sentiment, expressing shared vision and confidence in the league’s potential for rapid success.
White has long desired to enter the boxing industry. He contrasted the fragmented nature of boxing with the unified structure of UFC, emphasizing the new league’s intention to promote matchups between the best fighters in each weight class.
Nick Khan’s role will be crucial to the league’s success. His background includes executive positions at Creative Artists Agency and WWE, where he has a proven track record in media rights negotiations and global expansion. His expertise is expected to be invaluable in the growth and reach of the new boxing promotion.