TKO Sets a Kansas City Takeover in Synergy Push
TKO Group Holdings, the owner of UFC, WWE and soon IMG, PBR and other sports brands, is launching its first 'takeover' over a city, bringing its three tentpole companies under one roof over the course of a long weekend.
The company said Wednesday that it would launch a takeover of Kansas City's T-Mobile Center in April, bringing a Professional Bull Riders event, a UFC Fight Night, and WWE Raw to the venue from April 24-28, in a deal facilitated by the Kansas City Sports Commission.
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It's the first time since the formation of TKO that it will leverage the synergies of the different brands to utilize one venue. While the company currently owns WWE and UFC, it will acquire PBR, On Location and IMG very shortly via a deal announced last year.
Blockchain company VeChain will be the presenting sponsor of the takeover. The company will also sell special ticket packages that include admission to all three events, with On Location also selling VIP experiences.
'Kansas City has collectively hosted dozens of UFC, WWE, and PBR events over the years, and it has become a top destination for each of these respective promotions,' said Peter Dropick, executive VP, of event development and operations for TKO. 'This is a unique opportunity to showcase these three premier properties in one city at the same time for the benefit of fans and visitors to the area. We thank the Kansas City Sports Commission and the management at T-Mobile Center for making this possible.'
TKO has made site fees — in which a city, country, tourism board or other third-party pays for the company to host events in their city, in an effort to drive some tourism dollars into the local economy — a growth priority.
'Kansas City has a great history of hosting world-class events, and we are thrilled to continue that tradition by partnering with three of the biggest brands in the sports and entertainment world,' said Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC. 'These events will generate significant economic impact for our hotels and local businesses, as well as shine a spotlight on Kansas City through broadcast programming and social media.'
TKO is set to report earnings later in the afternoon Wednesday.
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