TKO and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund are reportedly close to creating a new boxing league.
Tariq Panja and Kevin Draper of the New York Times report that "a deal for what would be a new competition, featuring up-and-coming boxers tied exclusively to the league, could be announced within weeks, according to three people familiar with the matter."
TKO said in a statement to the Times on Wednesday that it had “nothing to announce,” but that it “would evaluate any unique and compelling opportunity that could fit well in our portfolio of businesses and create incremental value for our shareholders.” The wealth fund did not comment.
TKO has reportedly been talking with other parties, including other Arab nations, about the boxing league
UFC President Dana White has long expressed his desire to enter the world of boxing, and recently said that he "has a plan" to enter the sport as a promoter.
Saudi Arabia has hosted many big boxing fights in recent years, including both Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk bouts.
TKO President Mark Shapiro said if TKO were to get into boxing, it would be in an organic way.
