UFC prepares historic White House gala: costs of $ 60 million

The mixed martial arts organization UFC will spend about $ 60 million for the unprecedented gala scheduled at the White House on June 14, an event designed to mark 250 years of independence of the United States, according to statements made by the management of the parent company TKO Group Holdings, quoted by the BBC. US President Donald Trump had announced the intention to organize the gala last year, a project later confirmed by the head of UFC, Dana White, and the management of TKO.

• An event with no immediate profit

TKO's chief operating officer, Mark Shapiro, stated that the organizers do not expect to make a direct profit from the gala, describing the project as a long-term strategic investment, designed to generate global exposure. According to him, the company is already negotiating with corporate partners to cover about half of the costs. "We're not going to make money from the event independently. It's an image investment,” Shapiro said. He stressed that the budget remains "a moving target,” with costs likely to increase as logistical plans become clearer.

• Splendor and media impact

Preliminary plans point to an event of unusual proportions even by UFC standards. Organizers estimate: about 5,000 spectators on the South Lawn of the White House; about 80,000 fans watching the event at the nearby Ellipse Park. Without precedent, the event is considered one of the most ambitious sports marketing projects in recent years, combining political symbolism, entertainment and global branding.

• Stars interested, but no matches confirmed

Although the official card has not been announced, several big names have publicly expressed interest in participating, including: Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, Alex Pereira, Amanda Nunes, Nate Diaz, Islam Makhachev. Donald Trump has said he wants "the most spectacular fights in history", but organizers have so far avoided confirming any matches.

• Strategic stakes: sports, politics and global branding

Beyond the sporting dimension, the gala reflects a global positioning strategy for the UFC and the TKO group. Organizing an event in a space with a strong symbolic charge, such as the White House, aims to consolidate the organization's image as a world leader in sports entertainment. Industry analysts believe that the media impact could far outweigh the costs, by increasing audiences, attracting sponsors and expanding the UFC's influence in international markets.