The UFC has recognized the concerns raised by fans regarding the Apex as a location for fights. They have hinted at the possibility of scaling back on the number of events held there in the future to address these issues. During a recent earnings call, a TKO investor questioned the rationale behind continuing to use the Apex despite the high demand for live shows in other regions.
TKO’s Chief Operating Officer, Mark Shapiro, mentioned that opting for the Apex helps in sustaining profitability due to lower costs compared to holding events internationally or domestically. However, TKO’s Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Schleimer, stressed the significance of taking events to different cities to engage with fans and offer a more enhanced experience compared to what the Apex provides.
While both the UFC and WWE have hosted smaller events at the Apex, the UFC is exploring new avenues to boost profitability, like receiving site fees from cities to host their events. This shift in strategy could result in fewer events at the Apex, with more cities willing to pay for the privilege of hosting UFC events.
Although this direction may not sit well with taxpayers anticipating the allocation of city funds to other areas, it is promising news for fans who prefer venues other than the UFC Apex. There is the hope that a portion of the site fee revenue will be invested in enhancing Fight Night line-ups to deliver a more thrilling viewing experience for fans.
