According to a report from PW Insider, the 2026 Royal Rumble will be held in Saudi Arabia. The WWE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have a 10 year deal (which started in 2018) for the WWE to hold shows in the Kingdom.
As we discussed with the WWE-Netflix deal, the goal of the company is to expand internationally where the company believes there is room to grow. The WWE’s deal with KSA includes 2 stadium shows a year in exchange for $50M annually.
Notably, we have seen more big WWE events outside of the US. The result: outstanding crowds in places like Germany and Wales in 2024.
It’s clear that if the news is true, WWE is hoping to extend its relationship with KSA. Also of note, the UFC, WWE’s stablemate, is holding its second event in KSA in February.
Moving Royal Rumble out of the country is a sign that the company is willing to the biggest bidder on housing its biggest events. With its popularity, the WWE has the ability to solicit offers and give money to the highest bidder for its site fees. Notably, the State of Indiana forged a deal with WWE to pay the company come to the state for Wrestlemania, Summerslam, and Royal Rumble in the coming years. This seems to be the coming trend notwithstanding what the WWE has with KSA.
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