WWE and its competition potentially interested in bringing first wrestling event to Sphere - Reports
WWE has moved forward with some of its most advanced expansion plans in the ongoing new era, from an increase in international Premium Live Events to the first-ever two-night SummerSlam. Now word is that the company, or its competitors, may be looking to bring the squared circle to Sphere.
The Venetian in Las Vegas opened Sphere in September 2023 amid major buzz surrounding the five-year project. The 18,600-seat music and entertainment arena features one-of-a-kind immersive video and audio, including a 16K wrap-around interior LED screen, 4D physical effects, and special sound rendering. The $2.3 billion arena is the most expensive entertainment venue built in Sin City, and high costs may be why it's a long shot for WWE or AEW to bring wrestling to Sphere.
There have been multiple wrestling promotions that have reached out to Sphere about potentially running wrestling events there, according to Fightful Select. However, word is that if wrestling does come to Sphere, it will be in 2025 or beyond.
One issue with running Sphere seems to be ticket prices. WWE or AEW would have to charge high prices, or take a loss while making wrestling history. An upcoming Eagles concert at Sphere has seats priced at $946.95 and $1,365.85, while VIP suites for up to 24 guests range from $28,000 to $40,000. UFC 306 is scheduled for Sphere on September 14. Tickets just went on sale for the historic event this week, and as of now, seats are priced between $3,000 and $12,000.
It's believed that once TKO's MMA company brings combat sports to the venue in September, there will be more interest from other touring promotions like WWE. It remains to be seen how serious any wrestling promotion is about running Sphere. Sources noted that as of now there are only inquiries being made, and no actual plans in the works.
WWE causing AEW to leave Sin City next year?
World Wrestling Entertainment recently announced WrestleMania 41 for Las Vegas. Billed as WrestleMania Vegas, the big event is scheduled for April 19 and 20 of next year, and will bring a massive payday to the company.
All Elite Wrestling ran its inaugural PPV in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena - Double Or Nothing 2019. The event was held in Florida due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, but since then the past 3 Double Or Nothing events have been held in Sin City, at the T-Mobile Arena or MGM Grand. DoN is held in late May each year during Labor Day Weekend.
A new report from Fightful Select notes that Double Or Nothing 2025 was expected for another venue in Vegas, but now plans may be changing due to WrestleMania 41 taking place in Sin City as well.
It was noted that there's a strong possibility that AEW will move Double Or Nothing to another city next year. However, the report reiterated that there is nothing definite on the location with 10 months to go.