WWE Royal Rumble and more coming to Arizona
August 6, 2026
TKO, Arizona Sports & Events Alliance, and Legends Global Announce NOCHE UFC, WWE Royal Rumble and PBR World Finals Coming to Arizona
TKO Group Holdings, the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance, and Legends Global have announced the first major events under a new three-year, seven-event partnership bringing marquee sports and entertainment properties to Glendale, Arizona. The lineup highlights NOCHE UFC at Desert Diamond Arena in September 2026, the 40th annual WWE Royal Rumble at State Farm Stadium in February 2027, and the PBR World Finals: Championship in May 2027. The agreement marks TKO's first statewide partnership spanning its UFC, WWE, PBR, and Zuffa Boxing brands, aiming to drive local economic growth and solidify Arizona as a premier sports destination.
TKO
Disney's Q3 earnings top estimates on demand for experiences, company exits A+E Media stake
Disney reported third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.06 on $25.17 billion in revenue, topping Wall Street expectations and sending its stock up over 4% in premarket trading. Performance was anchored by the Disney Experiences division, where revenue rose 10% to $9.97 billion behind a 3% increase in US park attendance and higher guest spending. To further support share value, Disney announced the sale of its 50% stake in A+E Global Media to Hearst for $1.2 billion, raising its full-year share repurchase target to $9 billion.
Yahoo Finance
WTA Ventures appoints IMG as managed production services partner
WTA Ventures has appointed IMG as its managed production services partner in a multi-year deal starting with the 2027 season to elevate coverage across the women’s tennis tour. Under the agreement, IMG will lead end-to-end broadcast production, short-form content, and technical distribution for over 50 WTA Tour events annually, including the WTA Finals. This appointment expands IMG's existing commercial relationship with WTA Ventures, where it already represents broadcast rights in key international markets and helps broker major sponsorship deals.
WTA Tennis
New York State takes on Highmark Stadium
New York State has officially taken ownership of the new $2.1 billion, 60,108-capacity Highmark Stadium, ending Erie County's 50-year history of stadium ownership. The project was funded through a $600 million commitment from New York State, $250 million from Erie County, and the remaining costs covered by the Buffalo Bills ownership group alongside the NFL. The newly opened venue is scheduled to host its first NFL preseason game on August 15 against the Carolina Panthers, followed by its regular-season home opener on September 17 versus the Detroit Lions.
The Stadium Business
2028 Championship Series rollout continues with 5th confirmed event
The PGA Tour has named the Cadillac Championship at Doral as the fifth confirmed event for its new top-tier Championship Series launching in 2028. It joins previously announced tournaments including The Sentry, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Travelers Championship, and the Sompo event. Under CEO Brian Rolapp's restructured competitive schedule, Championship Series events will feature premier fields competing for $20 million purses, compared to $4 million purses in the lower-tier Challenger Series.
Golf
Tom Garfinkel Steps Away After Transformational 13-Year Tenure as President and CEO of Miami Dolphins
Tom Garfinkel is stepping down as President and CEO of the Miami Dolphins after a 13-year tenure during which he grew annual revenue by over 400 percent and spearheaded major facility transformations. Dolphins Chairman Stephen M. Ross announced the creation of Ross Sports & Entertainment to unify the franchise alongside events like the Miami Grand Prix and Miami Open, naming Daniel Sillman as the new Chief Executive Officer. Garfinkel will remain involved with the organization as Vice Chairman and as Managing Partner of the Miami Grand Prix.
Miami Dolphins
Arizona Cardinals announce J.P. Shadrick as new radio voice
The Arizona Cardinals have named J.P. Shadrick as their new radio play-by-play broadcaster, replacing Dave Pasch following his 24-season run to take an exclusive role with ESPN. Shadrick brings over 20 years of play-by-play experience, including 14 seasons as a senior reporter and broadcaster for the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking his first full-time lead play-by-play position with a major professional team. He will call games alongside analyst A.Q. Shipley and sideline reporter Dani Sureck, debuting with Thursday's Hall of Fame Game broadcast against the Carolina Panthers.
Awful Announcing
Chicago Fire. Manager, Accounting.
The Accounting Manager will be a key member of the Finance and Accounting team and be responsible for the execution of the accounting functions and operations for Chicago Fire Football Holdings, LLC, its various subsidiaries and related not-for-profit entities. They will take the lead in review and close procedures for monthly and annual closes, oversee the accounts payable and accounts receivable processes and be heavily involved in annual audits and tax preparation. Apply Now.
Portland Timbers. Videographer.
The ideal candidate is a multi-disciplined creator and self-starter; someone who can film, edit, and effectively manage associated project assets. Candidates should be flexible on project needs with a willingness to make the most of a project’s limitations; someone who excels at problem solving and being a team player. A key component of success will be effectively working with colleagues across multiple departments to understand and support their goals, often juggling multiple projects with tight time constraints. Apply Now.
TPC Network. Chef de Partie.
The Chef de Partie utilizes personal creative talent to create original, creative menu items and displays. Perform creative methods of cooking, portion control, and garnish. Assist in the planning and scheduling of the kitchen staff and supply requirements for the culinary department. Maintain accountability for cost, utilization, and performance of employees and equipment. Apply Now.
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Pac-12, Mountain West officially resolve settlement ahead of CFB season
The Pac-12 and Mountain West have officially finalized a settlement resolving their legal dispute over exit fees and poaching penalties tied to a 2024 football scheduling agreement. The legal conflict arose after the Pac-12 rebuilt its membership by raiding the Mountain West to add Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State. While the Mountain West originally sought up to $55 million in damages, specific financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed as both conferences moved forward ahead of the Pac-12's 2026 relaunch.
Sports Business Journal
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