Sphere Entertainment Plans Global Expansion of Immersive Venues

The company behind the Las Vegas Sphere is eyeing new locations in Maryland and the UAE, with more to come.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:42pm

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A minimalist, abstract illustration featuring stark black silhouettes of the spherical Sphere venue architecture against a high-contrast red and white background, conceptually representing the innovative and visually striking nature of these new entertainment destinations.Sphere Entertainment's innovative entertainment complexes aim to redefine the live experience with cutting-edge technology and immersive design.National Harbor Today

Sphere Entertainment, the company behind the recently opened Las Vegas Sphere venue, is planning to expand its unique, high-tech entertainment complexes to other cities around the world. After facing some opposition to a proposed London location, the company is moving forward with new Sphere venues in Maryland and the United Arab Emirates, with more locations likely to be announced in the future.

Why it matters

The Sphere venues represent a new frontier in live entertainment, utilizing cutting-edge technology like wrap-around LED screens and immersive sound to provide audiences with a one-of-a-kind experience. As Sphere Entertainment expands globally, it could reshape the entertainment landscape in major cities and become a must-visit destination for music, events, and more.

The details

The first Sphere opened in 2023 near the Venetian Resort on the Las Vegas Strip, featuring a massive 170,000-square-foot spherical building with a 20,000-person capacity. The venue uses state-of-the-art video and audio technology to create an immersive entertainment experience. Sphere Entertainment had previously proposed building a similar venue in London, but that plan was ultimately rejected by city officials due to concerns over noise, traffic, and light pollution. The company is now moving forward with two new Sphere locations - a smaller 6,000-seat version in National Harbor, Maryland, and an identical large-scale venue in Abu Dhabi, UAE, slated to open in 2030. Sphere Entertainment's CEO has said the company wants to place more of these innovative entertainment complexes in 'forward-looking cities' around the world.

  • The Las Vegas Sphere opened in 2023 after several years of construction.
  • Sphere Entertainment proposed a London location in 2018, but the plan was rejected in 2023.
  • The National Harbor, Maryland Sphere is scheduled to open in the coming years.
  • The Abu Dhabi, UAE Sphere is planned to open in 2030.

The players

Sphere Entertainment

The company that developed and operates the Las Vegas Sphere venue, and is planning to expand the Sphere concept to other cities globally.

James L. Dolan

CEO of Sphere Entertainment, who has spoken about the company's vision for a 'global network of venues'.

Sadiq Khan

The Mayor of London, who rejected Sphere Entertainment's proposal to build a venue in the city.

Wes Moore

The Governor of Maryland, who has praised the planned National Harbor Sphere as a major economic development project for the state.

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What they’re saying

“Every aspect of Sphere was designed to transport audiences to new places, both real and imagined, and The Sphere Experience is where that vision comes together in its most integrated form.”

— James L. Dolan, CEO, Sphere Entertainment

“We believe a large-scale, next-generation venue will not only become a premier destination, but also drive growth in London's overall music and entertainment market, benefiting artists and fans, and serving as a long-term investment in the future of this incredible city.”

— James L. Dolan, CEO, Sphere Entertainment

“This will be one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George's County history — proving once again our state is the best place in the country to bring dreams to life.”

— Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland

What’s next

Sphere Entertainment is expected to continue announcing plans for additional Sphere venues in other major cities around the world in the coming years, as the company aims to build a 'global network of venues'.

The takeaway

The Sphere venues represent a bold new vision for live entertainment, leveraging cutting-edge technology to create immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences. As Sphere Entertainment expands globally, these innovative entertainment complexes could become must-visit destinations that reshape the cultural landscape of major cities.