The Latest Breaking News from Mark Shapiro

‘United Nations of Fighting’: Marco Rubio Inks a Deal With UFC for South Lawn Matches, but the $60 Million Price Tag Is Fueling a Legal Firestorm

The UFC has always thrived on controversy, but this time, the controversy might be bigger than the fights themselves.

The Mary Sue · Jun 12

UFC’s parent company is betting $60M on Trump’s White House cage fights. It could all be ruined by flies

The norm-shattering South Lawn event is one in a series of costly and controversial concepts dreamed up by the president

The Independent UK · Jun 11

Massive $1.5 Million UFC Freedom 250 Packages Sell Rapidly for Exclusive Seats on Trump's White House Lawn

UFC Freedom 250, set at the White House, faces scrutiny over £1.15 million sponsorships and military participation, prompting a Congressional probe into potential ethical violations.

International Business Times UK · Jun 2

Dana White’s UFC-Style Zuffa Boxing Is Officially Underway

Fronted by White, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia and operated by Nick Khan, Zuffa promises to be a formidable presence in the sport.

Sports Illustrated · Jan 23

Latest UFC White House update addresses ticket sales and fan access

The UFC is due to stage a fight card at the White House on 14 June

The Independent UK · Dec 12, 2025

Inside Canelo v Crawford and the Saudi-TKO plan to dominate boxing

Crawford’s win over Álvarez doubled as the launch of Zuffa Boxing, a Saudi-UFC venture with ambitions to control boxing’s global landscape

The Guardian - US · Sep 20, 2025

WWE Fans Outraged as TKO's New Strategy May Send Ticket Prices Soaring Up To $6,000

WWE faces fan backlash over soaring ticket prices as TKO's Mark Shapiro signals more 'ticket yield' optimisation, with Wrestlepalooza's ringside seats approaching $6,000 and an ESPN era beginning under a $1.6bn deal.

International Business Times UK · Sep 11, 2025

Your Paramount Plus subscription just got a major upgrade — here's what's coming

Paramount and the UFC have inked a huge deal to bring fight night to streaming and end MMA PPVs.

Tom’s Guide · Aug 11, 2025

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s record-breaking contract with the Toronto Blue Jays is a win-win deal for both sides

After missing out on the Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto sweepstakes in 2023 and 2024, the Toronto Blue Jays and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have reportedly agreed to a record-breaking 14-year US$500 million extension to his contract with the team.

The Conversation · Apr 13, 2025

‘I have a baby’: how women in baseball are redefining work and motherhood

Often women who trailblazers in men’s sports are lauded for their impact on the next generation. Within the Guardians’ front office, that’s a reality playing out right now

The Guardian - US · Mar 19, 2025