The UFC has signed a multiyear deal to become an anchor tenant of T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, sources said. The agreement is for more than seven years, sources said, and it is believed to be the first time that an MMA organization has signed an anchor tenant deal with a major sports venue. Under terms of the deal, the UFC will host a minimum of four events annually at T-Mobile Arena, including at least three PPV or numbered events and one UFC Fight Night. UFC President Dana White is expected to unveil a 12-foot-wide “Home of UFC” permanent sign at the arena today. T-Mobile Arena is hosting UFC 209 Saturday night.
T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded, joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts Int'l. The UFC is owned by WME-IMG. The anchor tenant agreement was negotiated by WME-IMG co-President Mark Shapiro, UFC Senior VP/Event Development & Operations Peter Dropick, AEG CRO Todd Goldstein, AEG Chief Legal & Development Officer Ted Fikre, MGM Resorts Int’l President Bill Hornbuckle and MGM Resorts Senior VP/Entertainment & Development Rick Arpin.
