Endeavor’s TKO Group is considering expanding the two-day idea for WWE premium live events (PLEs) beyond WrestleMania, according to Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro. During an interview at the UBS Global Media & Communications Conference, Shapiro stated that the firm views this as a “natural evolution” for its premium wrestling offering.
“There’s definitely an opportunity for that,” Shapiro said, noting that such a move would be dependent on the specific event and the partnership environment. This strategic strategy demonstrates TKO’s determination to maximize the value of its WWE assets through meticulous planning and execution.
The recent announcement of two-night SummerSlam events in 2025 and 2026 suggests a possible shift in the presentation of key WWE events. While WrestleMania has been a two-night event since 2020, the addition to SummerSlam shows a more comprehensive strategy to improve the fan experience and potentially increase income streams.
Shapiro also discussed essential parts of TKO’s content distribution strategy, emphasizing the value of strategic relationships and navigating the changing media landscape.
Shapiro expressed optimism in WWE Raw’s long-term cooperation with Netflix, despite the fact that momentum must be maintained beyond the first launch period. He lauded Netflix’s dedication to the relationship and stressed the agreement’s ten-year term.
With future talks for WWE PLE rights, Shapiro expects strong interest from possible suitors. He believes that the monthly cycle of these premium events, along with their high-profile nature, will foster competitive bidding.
He highlighted the importance of TKO’s partnership with NBCUniversal and Peacock, emphasizing the flexibility in scheduling PLEs to line with partners’ strategic goals.
Shapiro also discussed crucial financial factors for TKO, including:
Securing lucrative site fees for WWE and UFC events remains a top priority, while Shapiro admitted that securing all accords by the end of 2025 may not be possible.
The potential development of two-day PLEs, combined with strategic content distribution and excellent relationships, positioned TKO for continuing success in the changing sports and entertainment markets.
TKO intends to capitalize on the increased demand for premium live events by effectively leveraging its WWE assets in the coming years, maximizing shareholder value.
