TKO Emerges as a Key Player in the Boxing Industry
TKO, the boxing promotional company backed by Saudi official Turki Alalshikh alongside UFC CEO Dana White and WWE president Nick Khan, has solidified its position in the boxing world. On Monday, Zuffa Boxing, the entity behind TKO, announced a multi-year exclusive broadcasting agreement with Paramount. This deal covers the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, marking a significant expansion for the company.
Strategic Partnership with Paramount
The agreement with Paramount aligns Zuffa Boxing with the UFC, another TKO-affiliated brand, which recently secured a $7.7 billion broadcast deal with the same network starting in 2026. Under the new contract, Zuffa Boxing will deliver a minimum of 12 events annually, with broadcasts primarily streaming on Paramount+. Additionally, select events may be aired on CBS and other Paramount channels. Although the exact duration of the deal has not been officially disclosed, reports suggest it spans five years.
Building Boxing’s Future Stars
Since its inception in March, Zuffa Boxing has been focused on cultivating competitive matchups between promising prospects. Dana White emphasized that the goal is to develop new stars who will eventually headline major events such as Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season and Ring Magazine shows. White likened the initiative to the UFC’s “Contender Series,” aiming to spotlight emerging talent through high-stakes bouts.
White also cited inspiration from the 1980s and 1990s USA Network’s “Tuesday Night Fights,” a program that introduced young boxers to a broad audience by showcasing competitive fights. This historical reference underscores Zuffa’s commitment to elevating boxing’s profile by blending entertainment with genuine competition.
High-Profile Debut and Market Impact
TKO’s entry into boxing was marked by promoting the undisputed super middleweight title fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford earlier this month. The event achieved remarkable commercial success, becoming the third-highest grossing boxing event in history with $47 million generated at the gate. This milestone demonstrated TKO’s capability to handle marquee fights and attract significant fan interest.
Outlook for the Boxing Landscape
With the backing of influential figures from UFC and WWE, combined with strategic media partnerships, TKO is poised to reshape the boxing promotion landscape. The company’s focus on competitive matchmaking and star development, supported by a robust broadcast platform, positions it as a formidable force in the sport’s future.
As TKO continues to expand its footprint, boxing fans across North America and Latin America can expect increased access to high-quality events featuring both rising talents and established champions, streamed conveniently through Paramount’s platforms.
