Subhojeet Mukherjee on July 31, 2024
The anticipation for WrestleMania 41 is already building, as WWE already announced that the next installment of the iconic event will be held in Las Vegas. The event will take place on April 19 and April 20, 2025 at the Allegiant Stadium. In light of their announcement, we now have confirmation on how WWE secured Las Vegas in the first place.
Public records obtained by Wrestlenomics confirm a prior report from 8NewsNow that WWE has secured a $5 million grant from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) as part of a package of incentives to bring WrestleMania to Las Vegas in 2025.
The agreement, finalized in less than two months and announced on May 4, 2024, includes not only the $5 million cash grant but also rent-free access to the LVCVA’s Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall, where WWE’s fan experience event, The World (formerly Axxess), is expected to be held. Additionally, WWE will benefit from a branding awareness campaign funded by the LVCVA.
As a governmental body, the LVCVA is required to respond to public records requests. Some details, particularly regarding the estimated economic impact on the local area, were redacted from the records. The LVCVA’s previous financial involvement with WWE includes a $300,000 site fee for SummerSlam 2021, along with an additional $30,000 in marketing value.
David Beachnau, Executive Director of the Detroit Sports Commission, reached out to Lisa Motley, LVCVA’s Senior Director of Sports and Special Events, in June 2023. Beachnau inquired about Motley’s experience with WWE, noting that the current WWE staff were more challenging to negotiate with compared to former executive John Saboor. WWE’s merger with UFC into TKO, which was nearing completion at the time, had led to a more aggressive approach in seeking site fees for major events.
Motley’s response revealed that the LVCVA had paid a $300,000 hosting fee and $30,000 in marketing for SummerSlam 2021. SummerSlam in Detroit drew an $8.5 million gate and attracted visitors from across the U.S. and internationally. Beachnau expressed eagerness to work with WWE again in the future.
By February 7, 2024, Motley had indicated that the LVCVA had not yet engaged in serious discussions about WrestleMania, though curiosity about Las Vegas potentially hosting the event was growing, particularly as the WrestleMania Kickoff press conference was scheduled for the next day at T-Mobile Arena in Vegas.
Email records show that a meeting was set up with TKO live events executive Peter Dropick for March 4, which likely marked the beginning of serious discussions regarding WrestleMania in Las Vegas.
In St. Paul, Wendy Blackshaw, President of Minnesota Sports & Events, had hinted at a major upcoming event in her area. On March 6, Blackshaw mentioned to the Minnesota House of Representatives an event that would soon be announced, which was thought to be next year’s WrestleMania. The local media, including the StarTribune, speculated that Minneapolis was a finalist for WrestleMania 2025.
In Las Vegas, local advertising executives were aware of the growing speculation and urged the LVCVA to act swiftly to secure WrestleMania. The LVCVA’s internal communications reflected confidence in finalizing the deal with WWE.
Motley and LVCVA COO Brian Yost attended WrestleMania in Philadelphia to meet with WWE staff. WWE President Nick Khan praised their efforts and ensured they received VIP treatment. A pitch deck obtained during this period pointed out the benefits of hosting WrestleMania in Las Vegas, emphasizing the city’s global appeal and local attractions.
We have also confirmed that WWE World is locked in for next year. WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas is shaping up to be an incredible event, with Sin City set to be the vibrant backdrop for next year’s Showcase of The Immortals. The unique setting is expected to offer fans a spectacular and unforgettable experience.
What do you think of how Las Vegas ultimately won the bid for WrestleMania 41? Sound off in the comments section below!
July 31, 2024 2:27 pm
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