UFC Says It Won't Profit From $60M White House Event

The promotion expects to offset only half the costs through sponsorships.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The UFC is planning a historic fight card at the White House on June 14 as part of the America 250 celebration, but the event is expected to cost the promotion upwards of $60 million. TKO Group Holdings, which is handling the event, says they will not profit from it and are aiming to offset only about half the costs through sponsorships and other revenue streams.

Why it matters

This high-profile event at the White House is a major investment for the UFC as they look to expand their audience and viewership, even if it means taking a significant financial loss. The promotion is willing to absorb the costs to create a spectacle that they hope will pay dividends in the long run through increased exposure and new fans.

The details

The UFC is building a custom arena on the south lawn of the White House for the event, in addition to paying all fighter purses. TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of the UFC, expects the total costs to exceed $60 million, though they believe they can offset about half of that through sponsorships and other revenue. Despite the massive price tag, the UFC has said they will not profit from the event independently and view it as a long-term investment in growing their audience and brand.

  • The UFC event at the White House is scheduled for June 14, 2026.

The players

TKO Group Holdings

The parent company of the UFC that is handling the logistics and costs of the White House event.

Dana White

The CEO of the UFC, who has promised the 'greatest fight card ever assembled' for the White House event.

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What they’re saying

“I think by the time all is said and done with the event and what we pay the fighters and the fan fest that we're going to have, that could move north. It's definitely not moving south. It could move north. Bottom line, it's still a moving target.”

— Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer, TKO Group Holdings (SB Nation)

“I want to be clear about something – we will not profit from the White House event independently. We will not be making money on America's 250th anniversary. This is an investment for the long term. This is about earned media. This is about sampling, new fans, casual viewers, a spectacle on a stage that will ultimately expand our audience, our viewership and our success on Paramount+.”

— Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer, TKO Group Holdings (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

The UFC has not yet begun negotiations with fighters for the White House event card, but has promised it will feature the 'greatest fight card ever assembled.'