WWE Fails to Secure WrestleMania Sphere Ad in Las Vegas

Despite inquiries, WWE couldn't lock down a promotional piece on the high-tech Sphere venue for WrestleMania 42 weekend.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in bold, contrasting colors, conceptually representing the intensity and drama of a WWE wrestling match or event.A fragmented, cubist-inspired visual interpretation of the high-stakes action and energy of a WWE event, hinting at the missed opportunity to showcase the spectacle on the Sphere's cutting-edge platform.New Orleans Today

WWE reportedly inquired about running a promotional piece on the Sphere in Las Vegas during WrestleMania 42 week, but the deal did not come to fruition. The Sphere, a high-tech entertainment venue, has hosted UFC events but has not yet welcomed WWE. With WrestleMania 42 taking place just miles away at Allegiant Stadium, WWE was interested in leveraging the Sphere's capabilities, including an early concept of featuring wrestler Danhausen. However, the two sides were unable to strike a deal 'yet,' leaving WWE without a presence on the Sphere for the big event weekend.

Why it matters

The Sphere is a state-of-the-art venue that could have provided WWE with a unique promotional opportunity during the high-profile WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas. As WWE looks to maximize its visibility and engagement around its marquee annual event, missing out on a Sphere activation is a missed chance to showcase the company and its talent on an innovative platform.

The details

WWE inquired about potentially running a 'promotional piece' on the Sphere during WrestleMania 42 week, which includes the Apr. 17 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, the 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony, and WrestleMania 42 itself from Apr. 18-19. There was even an 'early concept of Danhausen being featured on the Sphere,' according to the report. However, the deal did not materialize 'yet,' leaving WWE without a presence on the high-tech venue. While WWE has not held any events at the Sphere, UFC - which is also part of TKO Group Holdings - hosted UFC 306 at the venue in September 2024, becoming the first sporting event held there.

  • WrestleMania 42 will take place in Las Vegas from April 18-19, 2026.
  • WWE's April 17, 2026 edition of Friday Night SmackDown and the 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony will also take place in Las Vegas that weekend.
  • UFC 306 was held at the Sphere on September 14, 2024, becoming the first sporting event at the venue.

The players

WWE

The professional wrestling promotion that organizes the annual WrestleMania event.

The Sphere

A state-of-the-art entertainment venue in Las Vegas that has hosted UFC events but has not yet welcomed WWE.

Danhausen

A professional wrestler who was the subject of an 'early concept' to be featured on the Sphere during WrestleMania 42 weekend.

UFC

The mixed martial arts promotion that is also part of TKO Group Holdings and held UFC 306 at the Sphere in 2024.

Allegiant Stadium

The home of the Las Vegas Raiders, which will host WrestleMania 42 from April 18-19, 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

If a deal can still be struck, WWE may have another chance to secure a promotional presence on the Sphere during WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

WWE's inability to lock down a Sphere activation for WrestleMania 42 represents a missed opportunity to leverage an innovative, high-profile platform and showcase its brand and talent during the biggest event on its annual calendar. As the Sphere continues to establish itself as a premier entertainment venue, WWE may explore future collaborations to integrate its programming with the venue's cutting-edge capabilities.