WWE is on a hot streak right now, and many cities are vying to hold a major Premium Live Event every year. In fact, Orlando is looking to host multiple UFC and WWE events over the next several years and is making a significant effort to bring these major sporting events to its venues.
According to Ryan Lynch of the Orlando Business Journal, the Greater Orlando Sports Commission has submitted a request for an $18 million grant from the Tourist Development Tax Sports Incentive Committee. If approved, this funding would be used to bid on four major events under the TKO Group Holdings umbrella, which oversees both WWE and UFC.
The city has outlined its goals for hosting the following events. In 2026, Orlando hopes to secure either WWE Survivor Series in November or Saturday Nights Main Event in December at the Kia Center. In 2027, the city aims to bring a UFC pay-per-view event to the Kia Center in August or September.
For 2028, Orlando is bidding to host WWE Royal Rumble at Camping World Stadium in February. The biggest target is 2031, when Orlando hopes to bring WrestleMania back to Camping World Stadium in mid-to-late April, with Kia Center hosting additional WrestleMania week events. The WrestleMania event itself would span two nights, along with Raw and SmackDown arena shows throughout the week.
Jason Siegel, president and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, stated that this effort has been in the works for nearly two years. He also noted that other cities, such as Indianapolis, have been actively working to secure WWE events.
Orlando has a strong history with WrestleMania, having previously hosted WrestleMania XXIV and WrestleMania 33 at Camping World Stadium. If successful, this bid could bring some of the biggest wrestling and combat sports events back to the city in the coming years. Therefore, well have to wait and see if their bid will become a success in the end.
What are your thoughts on Orlandos bid to host these major WWE and UFC events? Do you think the city has what it takes to bring WrestleMania back? Share your opinions in the comments below!
