WWE has strengthened its position in Nevada by engaging Carson City-based lobbyists Bill Gregory and Lesley Pittman, as the company prepares for WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas this April.
The strategic move sees WWE tapping into Gregory and Pittman’s extensive experience in Nevada’s entertainment and combat sports sectors, notably through their existing relationship with UFC. Both organizations now operate under the TKO Group Holdings banner following their September 2023 merger.
Gregory and Pittman’s dual representation of WWE and UFC could prove particularly valuable as WWE navigates Nevada’s regulatory landscape. Their expertise spans various areas crucial to large-scale entertainment events, including venue operations, broadcast rights, and compliance with state athletic commission requirements.
The timing of these hires is significant, coming just months before WrestleMania 41, WWE’s flagship event, makes its second appearance in Las Vegas. The two-night spectacle, set for April 19-20 at Allegiant Stadium, is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors and generate substantial economic impact for the region.
Industry analysts suggest the lobbyists could help WWE optimize its regulatory compliance and business operations in Nevada, particularly as the company explores opportunities for expanded presence in the entertainment capital. Their work might include facilitating permits for future events, addressing regulatory requirements, and ensuring smooth operations for broadcasts and live performances.
The move also indicates TKO Group Holdings’ broader strategy to consolidate its influence in Nevada, a key market for both WWE and UFC operations. With both organizations now sharing the same lobbying representation in Carson City, TKO can present a unified approach to state legislators and regulatory bodies.
WWE’s investment in local government relations underscores Las Vegas’s growing importance in the company’s live event strategy, as well as Nevada’s significance to TKO Group Holdings’ overall business objectives.
Source: Based on reporting from The Nevada Independent