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TKO Event Sponsorship

At a glance

  • What: A $1.4 million, three-year sponsorship agreement with the Arizona Sports and Events Alliance making Glendale the official host destination sponsor of TKO events (UFC, WWE, PBR and SUFFA boxing).
  • Where it stands: Approved 7-0 on September 8, 2026. The first event, a UFC fight night at Desert Diamond Arena, drew nearly 17,000 people and over $4.4 million in ticket sales.
  • Next: Remaining events over the three-year term.

The agreement (September 8, 2026)

  • German: $1.4 million over three years for six events, paid entirely from bed tax revenue, with the full amount allocated in the current fiscal year. The City becomes official host sponsor of each TKO event held in Glendale and may use approved event branding and promote Experience Glendale as the official host destination.
  • Staff recommended authorizing the City Manager to sign and to use the bed tax funds.
  • Motion by Baldenegro, seconded by Guzman. Conchas said he was skeptical at first but accepted the bed tax source, since more visitors mean sales tax for police, fire and community services. Guzman thanked the team. Passed 7-0.
  • The September 8 workshop executive session included negotiations on contracts with the Arizona Sports and Events Alliance (A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(3)(4)).

First event

At the September 22 workshop Banger reported Glendale hosted the first of seven TKO events over the next three years (the sponsorship summary above says six events). At the voting meeting Guzman said the event set records: the highest-grossing domestic UFC fight night and the highest-grossing date for the arena, a sell-out of over 17,000 seats with a gate over $4.4 million.

Sources

Log

2026-09-22 - City Council

Guzman described the record UFC gate at the Desert Diamond Arena.

2026-09-22 - City Council Workshop

Banger reported the first of seven TKO events drew nearly 17,000 and over $4.4 million in tickets.

2026-09-08 - City Council

Sponsorship of $1.4 million over three years approved 7-0.

2026-09-08 - City Council Workshop

Executive session on negotiations with the Arizona Sports and Events Alliance.