TKO Group Holdings CEOs Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro appeared today and provided crucial updates on Zuffa Boxing’s rapid growth. Mark Shapiro has revealed that international media deals are imminent and boldly predicts that the recent boxing venture could eventually achieve a valuation in the $5-10 billion range – potentially rivaling the UFC’s current stature.
Mark Shapiro and Ari Emanuel discuss Zuffa boxing.
Shapiro says they will be announcing several international deals in the next week or two.
Later, Shapiro said the UFC and WWE were worth $20 billion each. Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 6, 2026
Key quotes from Mark Shapiro on Zuffa Boxing:
“Boxing is a great opportunity for us, right? We are led by Dana White and Nick Khan. There are many stories of fights that should have happened that didn’t – corruption, pay-per-view, closed circuit… So if we can create UFC out of boxing – let’s think about a truly closed league. We are currently signing 200 fighters. Constant fights.
We’re already on Paramount Plus and we’re about to announce some international deals. This could become the next colossus for us.”
When asked how close international transactions are:
“Very much. Well, we should announce something in the next week or so.”
Later, Shapiro doubled his advantage:
“I think this business for us could be as gigantic as our UFC business. And our WWE/UFC right now – UFC and WWE are $20 billion real estate. $20 billion each. So boxing, if it’s a 5, if it’s a 10 – give us some time. It’s a huge growth.”
The comments confirm that Zuffa Boxing is growing rapidly. The promotion is building a roster of hundreds of fighters, taking a cue from the UFC’s closed league structure to deliver consistent, high-level cards without the promotional fragmentation that has long plagued boxing.
Domestically, Paramount+ events for 2026 are already secured. Pending international partnerships – expected to be announced in the coming days and weeks – will give Zuffa Boxing global streaming reach and set the stage for rapid expansion.
With Dana White and Nick Khan at the helm, and with the full financial and promotional backing of TKO, Zuffa Boxing is positioning itself as the potential disruptor the sport has needed for decades.
Boxing fans should keep an eye out for further TKO announcements – the international deals Shapiro teased could be the catalyst that turns Zuffa Boxing from an ambitious project into a legitimate third pillar of the TKO empire.