UFC reportedly spending ‘as much as $60 million’ to produce White House event
MMA Fighting
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The UFC is set to host an unprecedented event at the White House on June 14, marking a historic moment in sports history. According to reports, the promotion could spend as much as $60 million to produce this once-in-a-lifetime event, which is part of President Donald Trump’s America 250 celebration. This would make it one of the most expensive endeavors in UFC history, surpassing its previous high of over $20 million for UFC 306 in Las Vegas. The event will feature a specially constructed octagon on the south lawn, bleachers for seating, and fighters walking to the cage from the Oval Office. While fighter salaries are unclear, other costs include $700,000 just to replace the grass on the White House lawn.
Logistical challenges remain, including determining the exact number of attendees. Initial estimates suggest around 5,000 people, but security concerns due to underground tunnels and bunkers beneath the south lawn complicate plans. Approximately 1,000 seats are reserved for military members, with all attendees undergoing rigorous security checks. The event will also include a public viewing at the National Mall, where over 60,000 fans can watch on big screens. Weigh-ins and pre-fight press conferences are rumored to take place at the Lincoln Memorial.
The broadcast details are still being finalized, but the card is expected to air on Paramount+, with potential partial coverage on CBS. Matchmaking is underway, though no official fights have been announced yet. The event is anticipated to feature six to seven fights, a smaller lineup than typical UFC events. As June 14 approaches, the UFC is working
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/24/2026