Fighters, promoters, and television streamers are poised to benefit from the Ultimate Fighting Championship bout hosted by President Trump on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday. The president, who holds a small investment in TKO Group Holdings—the parent company of U.F.C.—could also see potential financial gains.
A financial disclosure from March revealed that one of Trump’s brokerage accounts purchased between $15,000 and $50,000 in TKO Group shares, while another disclosure form indicated continued holdings as of 2024. Though the shares represent a minor portion of Trump’s overall portfolio, valued in the hundreds of millions across diverse assets, the exact stake and its current status remain unclear.
Ethics advocates have raised concerns about Trump’s use of government property for an event that could benefit his personal investments. A legal challenge sought to block the fight, citing his TKO Group holdings, but a judge ruled on Friday to allow the event to proceed. The Trump Organization emphasized that the president lacks control over such trades, stating that external financial institutions manage the accounts autonomously without his input or influence.
The event, held to mark the president’s 80th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary, is projected to generate significant revenue for U.F.C. and its partners. Paramount Skydance, owned by Larry and David Ellison—both allies of Trump—is streaming the bout. However, TKO Group’s stock declined over 4% on Friday, casting uncertainty over immediate returns for shareholders.
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