MGM Resorts Extends Partnership with TKO at T-Mobile Arena, Solidifying Las Vegas as Global Sports and Entertainment Hub

MGM Resorts International has extended its partnership with TKO Group Holdings at T-Mobile Arena through 2030, solidifying Las Vegas as a prime destination for combat sports and entertainment. A minimum of four UFC events and two WWE events will be hosted annually, breaking records for UFC and increasing WWE's presence in Las Vegas. The partnership supports MGM's revenue streams through high-ticket events and enhances its brand association with premier sports entertainment.

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) has extended its partnership with TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) at T-Mobile Arena through 2030, solidifying Las Vegas as a prime destination for combat sports and entertainment. The renewed agreement guarantees a minimum of four annual UFC events and two WWE events at the iconic arena, further cementing Las Vegas as the global epicenter of these sports and entertainment brands [1].

Since opening its doors in April 2016, T-Mobile Arena has hosted 20 sold-out UFC events, setting multiple records for both the venue and the promotion. Notably, five of the top 10 all-time highest-grossing UFC events have been at T-Mobile Arena, including such landmark numbered events as UFC 229: KHABIB vs. MCGREGOR in October 2018 and UFC 300: PEREIRA vs. HILL in April 2024 [1].

The expanded agreement also underscores WWE’s growing presence in the sports and entertainment capital of the world. WrestleMania 41, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas this past April, became the most successful and highest-grossing event in WWE history, drawing 124,693 fans over two nights. T-Mobile Arena supported WWE’s takeover of Las Vegas during WrestleMania weekend by hosting additional events including Smackdown, NXT, and Raw [1].

The new agreement includes priority scheduling for TKO-affiliated events during key windows such as International Fight Week. TKO will maintain a prominent presence throughout the venue, including co-headlining the welcome signage in the lobby alongside the Vegas Golden Knights, branded activations on the concourse, and retail space inside the Arena [1].

The partnership supports MGM’s revenue streams through high-ticket events and enhances its brand association with premier sports entertainment. "We have had a tremendous relationship with AEG and UFC for nearly a decade while hosting some of the biggest events and names in sports and entertainment. We look forward to further strengthening our collaborative efforts and providing our T-Mobile Arena eventgoers with memorable event experiences," said Chris Baldizan, MGM Resorts’ Executive Vice President of Entertainment [1].

The extension of the partnership reflects a strategic move for both TKO and MGM Resorts. It solidifies the venue's status as a global destination for premier sports and entertainment experiences, further elevating Las Vegas as a hub for unforgettable live events.

References:
[1] https://www.ufc.com/news/tko-extends-exclusive-partnership-t-mobile-arena-solidifying-las-vegas-premier-venue-official
[2] https://wrestlingnoticias.com.br/wwe-en/tko-group-holdings-extends-partnership-with-t-mobile-arena-guarantees-annual-wwe-events-in-las-vegas-through-2030/
[3] https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/tko-announces-extended-wwe-ufc-las-vegas-partnership-ahead-of-wrestlemania-42