Talks move fight toward MGM venues with August date under discussion
Plans for a Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao rematch are shifting away from The Sphere toward MGM venues in Las Vegas, according to a source familiar with discussions. The change reflects a move toward casino-backed events, with a possible August date now under consideration.
An official familiar with the discussions said the fight is being redirected to either T-Mobile Arena or MGM Grand Garden Arena, both tied to MGM Resorts International. The same source indicated the targeted date may also shift, with mid-August now in play instead of September 19.
The bout is expected to stream on Netflix and be sanctioned as a professional contest, meaning the result would officially count toward the records of both fighters.
“It made no sense to put it at The Sphere. It’s not connected to a casino,” the official said to Boxingscene, describing the reasoning behind the move. MGM’s model relies on integrating major fights with its network of Strip properties, including high-roller packages and week-long promotional events that drive revenue beyond ticket sales.
That structure has been central to its recent fight-week rollouts, including Cinco de Mayo weekend cards at T-Mobile Arena. The Sphere, owned by Madison Square Garden Entertainment, does not offer that same ecosystem.
The scheduling shift also reflects practical constraints. T-Mobile Arena is booked on September 19 but remains available in mid-August, aligning with the revised timeline under discussion.
The same official cautioned buyers against purchasing secondary-market tickets tied to The Sphere location, stating the fight is “one million percent not happening there.”
The move to the MGM properties (T-Mobile or MGM Grand) is a sign that organizers are trying to save the event. By shifting to a venue with casino economics, they can generate the kind of site fee and high-roller revenue needed to satisfy Floyd’s price tag, even if the professional vs. exhibition argument isn’t fully settled yet.
Mayweather (50-0) won their 2015 meeting by unanimous decision. Pacquiao (62-8-3) last fought to a draw against Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title, while Mayweather is set for an exhibition appearance on June 27.