TKO Group Holdings is exploring options to organically enter the boxing market, potentially partnering with Middle Eastern investors, while emphasizing they will not invest their own money or acquire existing promotions.
A month can change everything.
In November, Mark Shapiro of TKO Group Holdings was cautious about boxing. UFC CEO Dana White wanted to dive in headfirst, despite the chaos in big fights and promotions. Now? Shapiro says they’re exploring ways to get into boxing, though they’re not spending money just yet.
“Boxing is something we’d do organically,” Shapiro mentioned at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference. “We’re not buying anything. We might partner with someone from the Middle East as an investment partner. We’re looking into it. No announcements yet.”
Shapiro sees boxing as a natural addition to the UFC’s streaming service, which already features grappling, kickboxing, and wrestling events.
Does this mean they’ll follow White’s aggressive plan? Maybe. It sounds like boxing could become part of the UFC’s larger strategy.
“With Fight Pass, our own platform, we showcase preliminary bouts, karate, jiu-jitsu, and more,” Shapiro said. “Adding boxing could boost subscriptions significantly.”
One thing hasn’t changed since November: finances.
Shapiro is clear—TKO isn’t using its own funds for boxing. They’re not buying a promotion or fighter contracts to build a roster under UFC.
Instead, they’d host a boxing event with external investment. They’ve got ties with Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia for such ventures.
“We’re not buying into boxing,” Shapiro clarified. “We’ve got plenty to handle already. But we stay open-minded and opportunistic.”
“We’ve got integration work to do and need focus. Still, if an opportunity arises, we’ll consider it.”