WWE Announces First-Ever WrestleMania Outside North America, Heading to Saudi Arabia in 2027
WrestleMania is going international for the first time in its history, with WrestleMania 43 slated to be held in Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season in 2027.The announcement, made Friday, marks the first time WWE’s signature event will take place outside of North America.
This move builds on WWE’s existing relationship with Saudi Arabia, which began with a 10-year deal in 2018 reportedly worth approximately $50 million per show and $100 million annually, according to Wrestlenomics. WWE has held premium live events (PLEs) in the country since then, including Night of champions in June. The Royal Rumble is also scheduled to be held in Riyadh in January.
Mark shapiro, COO of WWE’s parent company TKO, indicated at the JPMorgan Global Technology Media and Communications conference in May that an expansion of the relationship with Saudi Arabia was anticipated within the next six to 12 months.
The announcement comes alongside TKO’s ventures into other sports promotions, including a boxing promotion spearheaded by UFC CEO Dana White, Saudi Arabian boxing financier Turki Alalshikh, and WWE president Nick Khan, launched in March.This boxing promotion is currently promoting Saturday’s mega-clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford in Las Vegas for the undisputed super middleweight championship.
WrestleMania was previously held at Allegiant Stadium in Las vegas in 2025 and is scheduled to return there next year, having shifted from its original location of New Orleans.
The decision to host WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia is expected to pave the way for future international WrestleManias.
