The UFC is pulling out all of the stops for its historic event on the South Lawn of the White House, and the value tag to match is staggering.
In keeping with a report from Puck News, the promotion could spend “as much as $60 million” to provide the once-in-a-lifetime card, which is being staged as a part of President Donald Trump’s America 250 celebration. For context, that figure would dwarf the associated fee of UFC 306 on the Sphere in Las Vegas, which the corporate previously cited as one in every of its costliest productions at over $20 million.
The UFC is reportedly dropping $60 million on the White House event 😱
They spent around $20 million on the Las Vegas Sphere in 2024
(via @PuckNews) pic.twitter.com/gxzbxuZsvE
— Completely happy Punch (@HappyPunch) February 24, 2026
UFC CEO Dana White had already telegraphed that this event would shatter spending records, and these latest figures confirm it. It stays unclear whether the reported $60 million includes fighter salaries, which could push the overall even higher.
A Logistical Beast Unlike Any Other
Staging a world-class combat sports event at one of the vital secure locations on the planet isn’t any easy feat. The UFC will construct a full octagon on the South Lawn, complete with bleachers and seating for roughly 5,000 fans in attendance — a comparatively intimate crowd by UFC standards. Space and structural concerns related to the extensive tunnel and bunker network beneath the South Lawn have limited what number of spectators may be accommodated on-site.
Dana White talks concerning the UFC White House event:
“One side of the backdrop can be the White House, and the opposite side can be the Washington Monument. It is so unique, so badass…
I do not think we’ll sell tickets to that event. It’ll all be comp tickets.”
🎥 @fullsendpodcast… pic.twitter.com/vYoW5sWs2A
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 10, 2025
Around 1,000 seats are reportedly being reserved for members of the U.S. military, and all attendees — whether invited or ticketed through the UFC — can be required to undergo extensive security clearances before setting foot on the property.
White previously noted that simply replacing the South Lawn grass after the event will cost roughly $700,000 by itself.
The spectacle extends well beyond the fight card itself. Fighters are expected to make their ring walks directly from the Oval Office to the cage, a cinematic entrance unlike anything the game has ever seen. Weigh-ins are rumored to be held on the Lincoln Memorial, which could also double because the venue for a pre-fight press conference.
For the fans who cannot secure a seat on the South Lawn, the UFC plans to establish massive screens on the nearby National Mall, where upward of 60,000 fans are expected to collect and watch.
The event is ready to air on Paramount+, with ongoing discussions about simulcasting a minimum of a portion of the cardboard on CBS. TKO Group Holdings CEO Ari Emanuel has confirmed the cardboard will feature six to seven fights, leaning toward a tighter, premium showcase somewhat than a conventional full UFC event slate.
Matchmaking is reportedly underway, though no official bouts have been announced. With June 14 approaching fast, the UFC might want to move quickly to lock down the ultimate pieces of what could genuinely be essentially the most ambitious sporting event ever produced.