Mark Shapiro Says WWE Is Talking With Disney For Special Events Next Year

WWE is in discussions with Disney for some special events to take place next year, according to TKO’s Mark Shapiro. Shapiro revealed the news in his appearance at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference on Tuesday, noting that WWE is looking at expanding their partnership with the Walt Disney Company. The news came after a question about what is driving TKO’s revenue acceleration in the back half of the year.

“Remember, WWE is a different audience than the UFC, and when it comes to going after families, that’s our audience, and I think advertisers are starting to see that,” Shapiro said (per Investing.com). “Frankly, I’m excited for 2027 because we’re working with The Walt Disney Company on some special events around Disney and WWE and bringing those two audiences together since, of course, what do they have in common? Family.”

WWE began their partnership with Disney through ESPN when they signed a deal to make ESPN Unlimited their exclusive domestic distributor for Premium Live Events. Shapiro did not provide any additional details on what form the “special events” will take, nor when they will be announced.