Will taxpayers have to foot the bill for the construction of the arena that will hold June’s UFC White House card? The promotion’s CEO, Dana White, offered a big update on the concerns from fans and non-fans of the MMA company.
Later this year, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will achieve something that massive leagues like the NFL, NBA, and even the Premier League will probably never match. And that is to have an event on the lawn of the White House.
The June UFC White House card is one of the most anticipated events in the sport’s history. It is expected to have as many as eight title fights, and will feature some of the biggest stars in the company, including former two-division champion Conor McGregor.
A major sporting event has never been held in or around the White House. So, an arena that seats a few thousand spectators and brings the usual flair of a UFC event must be built. With President Donald Trump being good friends with White, some worry the president will approve taxpayer dollars to help fund the construction.
UFC will fully pay the costs of arena construction for White House card
In a new conversation with Sports Business Journal, White was asked if that was the plan. Fortunately for concerned Americans, the UFC will pay all of the construction costs to build the arena, expected to hold close to 5,000 seats.
“No, we’re eating the whole thing,” White revealed. “So yeah, it’s going to be a historic one-of-one fight, and just like I talked about with the Sphere, we’re going to make the Sphere look like f***ing ash tray money.”
The UFC reportedly spent $20 million for their well-received card at the Las Vegas Sphere in September of 2024. Meaning they will spend far more for the UFC White House card. A key part of the cost will also be to replace the South Lawn after the fights.
