By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
TKO issued the following press release on Tuesday that includes the announcement of the WWE Royal Rumble being held in February at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
PHOENIX, ARIZ. and NEW YORK, NY – Aug. 4, 2026 – TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO), Arizona Sports & Events Alliance, and Legends Global today announced that NOCHE UFC, WWE Royal Rumble, and the PBR World Finals: Championship will take place in Glendale at Desert Diamond Arena and State Farm Stadium, marking the first confirmed events under the organizations’ multi-year partnership announced this past May.
The seven-event agreement spans three years and marks TKO’s first-ever agreement with a state-level organization spanning UFC, WWE, PBR and Zuffa Boxing, bringing several of TKO’s most high-profile live sports and entertainment properties to one of the country’s leading major-event destinations.
“Arizona is proud to be the first state to establish this kind of partnership with TKO, reflecting our commitment to innovative collaborations that create lasting economic opportunity,” said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. “From hosting world-class sporting events to attracting leading businesses and investment, Arizona continues to prove that we do big things – and do them well. We’re excited to partner with TKO to deliver lasting benefits for Arizona residents by driving economic growth, creating opportunity and showcasing everything our state has to offer.”
“Arizona is a proven destination for major live events, and Glendale gives us two exceptional venues in State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena,” said Peter Dropick, Executive Vice President, Event Development and Operations for TKO. “We look forward to working with the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance and Legends Global to deliver this lineup of marquee UFC, WWE, and PBR experiences for fans across the state.”
“TKO’s globally recognized brands have an extraordinary ability to unite passionate fans from around the world through premier live events and media platforms,” said Jay Parry, President & CEO of the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance. “Over the next three years, hundreds of thousands of visitors will travel to Arizona for these signature events, creating an incredible opportunity to showcase our communities and reinforce Arizona’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class sports and entertainment – and as a vibrant hub for business and innovation.”
“As part of this first-of-its-kind partnership, Desert Diamond Arena and State Farm Stadium will host some of the biggest nights in sports and entertainment over the next few years,” said Josh Kritzler, President, North American Venues & Content at Legends Global, which operates the host venues. “Our job is to ensure every fan who walks through the doors has an experience that matches these world-class events. We’re looking forward to working alongside TKO and the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance to deliver on that promise.”
Upcoming Schedule of TKO Events in Arizona (in chronological order)
NOCHE UFC – Desert Diamond Arena, September 12, 2026
UFC is set to return to Glendale on Saturday, September 12, for a special celebration of Mexican Independence Day with NOCHE UFC. The event carries added significance in Arizona, a state with a prominent Latino presence, deep Mexican-American cultural ties, and a passionate combat sports fan base.
NOCHE UFC will feature a card stacked with Mexican and Latin American talent, including former champions, rising prospects, and fan favorites. In the main event, former interim UFC featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez, one of the most exciting fighters in the sport, will take on Jean Silva, one of the fastest-rising contenders in the featherweight division. Joining them on the card will be former UFC women’s flyweight champion and current No. 3-ranked contender Alexa Grasso, who is set to compete at NOCHE UFC for the third time as she faces No. 2-ranked Manon Fiorot. In addition, former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno, making his first appearance at NOCHE UFC, will face The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 winner Joseph Morales. This will mark the fourth edition of NOCHE UFC and the first at Desert Diamond Arena. Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com.
WWE Royal Rumble® – State Farm Stadium, February 2027
The 40th annual Royal Rumble will take place in February 2027, marking the first time the WWE Premium Live Event will be held at State Farm Stadium. This will be Arizona’s third time hosting Royal Rumble following previous editions in 2019 and 2013. Royal Rumble will be headlined by the 30-man and 30-woman Royal Rumble matches, with the winners each receiving a championship match opportunity at WrestleMania 43. Ahead of the general ticket on-sale date, which will be announced in the coming months, fans can register now to receive an exclusive presale offer by visiting wwe.com/RoyalRumble27.
PBR World Finals: Championship – Desert Diamond Arena, May 20-23, 2027
PBR World Finals: Championship will be held May 20-23, 2027, bringing one of the most grueling and electrifying championships in sports to a new market as part of a long-term vision to continue growing the sport nationwide. Over four days of high-stakes competition at Desert Diamond Arena, PBR’s top riders and toughest bulls will face off as the sport’s best compete for a world title. Tickets are on sale now at PBRWorldFinals.com.
PBR has deep roots in the state. The Arizona Ridge Riders are Arizona’s official PBR Team, representing the state in PBR’s team-based bull riding competition and helping elevate Western sports across the region. The team will host Ridge Rider Days at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale (Oct. 8-10), further strengthening Arizona’s connection to PBR and providing a strong local foundation for the arrival of the PBR World Finals in 2027. (arizonaridgeriders.com)
Zuffa Boxing – Details to be Announced
Zuffa Boxing, the new promotion led by Dana White and Nick Khan, which has captured the attention of the boxing world, is also part of TKO’s multi-year partnership with the Alliance. Details about future Zuffa Boxing events in Arizona will be announced at a later date.
Powell’s POV: TKO executive Mark Shapiro mentioned this deal during the TKO quarterly conference call on Tuesday. The press release does not list a specific date for the Royal Rumble. If WWE takes the usual approach of running in between NFL Conference Championship Sunday on January 31 and the Super Bowl on February 14, the Rumble would be held the weekend of February 6-7.
(Jason Powell, founder and editor of ProWrestling.net, has covered pro wrestling full-time since 1997. He hosts the weekly podcast, Pro Wrestling Boom, and also appears regularly on the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast. Reach him via email at dotnetjason@gmail.com and on social media via @prowrestlingnet.bsky.social or x.com/prowrestlingnet. For his full bio and information on this website, click here.)
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