UFC in the White House: TKO President Mark Shapiro unveils eye-watering $60 million budget | MMA UK

The UFC will host the most expensive event in its history this summer, led by the president of TKO Group Holdings Mark Shapiro a stunning confirmation $60 million (£44.3 million) budget for the upcoming White House show.

Scheduled for June 14, 2026the event will commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Coinciding with Flag Day and the 80th anniversary of President Donald Trumpthe card is framed as a long-term investment in earned media rather than as a traditional moneymaker.

“We will not make a profit from it”

In a candid revelation, Shapiro explained that the promotion is bracing for a significant deficit. ‘We will not independently benefit from the White House event’ Shapiro stated. “We’re not going to make money on America’s 250th anniversary. This is a long-term investment.”

TKO aims to offset roughly half of its costs – about $30 million – through corporate partnerships. The remaining overhead includes a $700,000 commitment just to restore the South Lawn of the White House after the Octagon is dismantled.

Oval Office Walkouts and 80,000 fans

UFC CEO Dana White has teased a production never seen before. Key confirmed details include:

• The strike: Fighters will reportedly walk straight from the airport Oval office to the Octagon on the South Lawn.
• The capacity: For security reasons, only 3,000 to 5,000 guests will be ringside.
• The fan zone: An estimated 80,000 fans are expected to watch via giant screens The ellipse parking nearby.
• The map: Matchmakers are focusing on a compact, high-powered card of six to seven fights, with Trump promising “the biggest fights ever.”

Although the full line-up is not yet known, it includes: Conor McGregor, Jon JonesAnd Max Holloway are all associated with the historic night. The event is broadcast CBS and Paramount+ as part of the UFC’s new multi-billion dollar domestic media deal.

---

🥊 MMA UK POLL: THE ULTIMATE SPECTACLE?

With a budget almost three times the size of the UFC 306 Sphere event, the pressure is on to deliver results.

Is a White House fight card the pinnacle of sport, or is $60 million too much for a non-profit event?

Let us know your thoughts in our WhatsApp group! https://chat.whatsapp.com/G0ZriQGNm2w7MVjzhfXR5Q?mode=gi_t