New Jersey Sports Authority Approves Funds From American Rescue Plan for WWE SummerSlam

– According to a report by the Sports Business Journal (via POST Wrestling), the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority approved a resolution for the use of funds originally allocated to its American Rescue Plan. This fund was set up during the COVID-19 pandemic, to help bring WWE SummerSlam to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey next year. The governing body approved an allocation of $7.125 million to assist MetLife Stadium with “securing and hosting” the two-day WWE premium live event, which is scheduled for August 2-3, 2025.

SBJ reports that the money was previously granted to New Jersey’s American Rescue plan during the pandemic to “respond to the negative economic impacts of the public health emergency by providing aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality.” The event is reportedly expected to generate $80 million in economic impact for the state of New Jersey.

The state of New Jersey was previously granted $6.24 billion in federal pandemic relief funding in May 2021. The funds have to be allocated by the end of 2025 and spent by the conclusion of 2026. SBJ also notes that the governing body used $3.5 million from the American Rescue Plan to help the Prudential Center in Newark host UFC 288. The money was allocated “for use in support of sporting events, attractions and promotions.”

WWE SummerSlam 2025 will mark the first-ever two-night WWE SummerSlam.