TKO exec calls Saudi shows a money-safety balancing act

TKO executive Mark Shapiro addressed the challenges of staging events in the Middle East amid regional tensions. WWE is proceeding with its Crown Jewel premium live event scheduled for November 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government typically pays WWE between 55 and 60 million dollars for each such show, which the company runs at least twice annually.

Shapiro voiced worries about TKO's financial performance for 2026 should any Middle East events be canceled. He noted that TKO must satisfy shareholders and analysts on Wall Street who are concerned about completing the year without disruptions. Shapiro stated, "We of course stand with a lot of obstacles in our way in these last two months, [including] Iran and the impact that has on the entire Middle East."

He added that three events remain for the rest of the year and their success is needed to meet goals for closing out 2026 as hoped. Shapiro explained that cancellation of those events would negatively affect the year and that so far the company has been fortunate to avoid interruptions.

The executive praised TKO's full-time and part-time workers for entering the territories and staging the events at a high quality level despite potential danger, anxiety, and nervousness.