The UFC is preparing for its most ambitious event to date: a live card staged on the South Lawn of the White House for the nation’s 250th anniversary in June 2026. Reports indicate the promotion, under TKO Group Holdings, could spend as much as $60 million, far surpassing the previous record set by UFC 306 at the Las Vegas Sphere in 2024.
Puck News first reported the $60 million figure, which was subsequently confirmed by UFC officials. The production involves complex logistics, security, and technical challenges unfamiliar to even the UFC’s biggest previous ventures. The last major production, UFC 306, cost more than $20 million, less than half the projected White House budget.
One significant expense is the restoration of the South Lawn post-event, with turf replacement alone expected to run between $700,000 and $1 million. Event infrastructure also must address the tunnels beneath the lawn and preserve historic landmarks, requiring input from specialized engineering teams. These and other constraints will cap attendance at around 3,000 to 5,000 ticketed on-site spectators, with most seats reserved for VIPs, military guests, and dignitaries. Up to 85,000 additional fans could watch the broadcast from The Ellipse, a nearby public park where large screens will be installed.
Security costs are also considerable, driving the design of custom staging, entry logistics, and capacity planning. The octagon is slated to be positioned for maximum backdrop exposure of both the White House and the Washington Monument.
UFC leadership has been adamant that the entire event is self-funded. CEO Dana White stated, “No, we’re eating the whole thing,” confirming all costs, including infrastructure and landscaping, are being covered by the organization. White also dismissed suggestions of a delay, commenting, “Media is so full of s***,” while reiterating that the planned June 14, 2026, timeline remains on schedule.
TKO Group Holdings president Mark Shapiro clarified that the company does not expect to profit directly from the event. The UFC is aiming to offset approximately half the $60 million cost through partnerships and sponsorships. “We can offset half of the spend… we will not profit from the White House event independently,” Shapiro explained during an interview. The intended return is global exposure and brand elevation, rather than profit from the event itself.
WATCH:
Mark Shapiro talks the UFC White House event:
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 25, 2026
We will not profit from the White House event independently. We will not be making money on America's 250th anniversary. This is an investment for the long term. pic.twitter.com/PbT9z6sw9F
The budget could increase further as broadcast, security, and production contracts are finalized. UFC anticipates broadcasting the event under its multi-year deal with Paramount+, with likely simulcasts on CBS. An international component is also under discussion.
While most sources point to June 14, 2026, as the targeted date, previous plans referenced July 4, and the event remains subject to potential schedule shifts based on the White House calendar. UFC has not released a detailed fight card, but sources suggest up to nine championship bouts are under consideration, with a strong focus on a tribute to military personnel.
If completed as planned, the UFC’s White House card will mark a milestone not only for American MMA but for the intersection of major sports and national heritage. Despite the unprecedented cost and scope, the organization is positioning the event as a foundation for long-term growth and global brand visibility, with all production risks and rewards shouldered by the promotion itself.
