That fight produced a live gate of about $72.2 million from 16,219 spectators at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The Sphere, located near The Venetian resort in Las Vegas, lists seating for roughly 17,600 depending on configuration. Even if a boxing layout allows the full concert seating number, the increase over the 2015 fight would be limited.
The difference comes out to roughly 1,300 seats. That does not dramatically expand ticket inventory. A larger gate would have to come mainly from higher ticket prices.
The 2015 fight already carried an average ticket price above $4,000 once all seating tiers were counted. A bigger gate in a venue of similar size would require promoters to sell premium seats and hospitality packages at higher prices.
Mayweather, now 49, has not fought professionally since his 2017 stoppage of Conor McGregor. Pacquiao, 47, returned to the ring last year and fought Mario Barrios to a draw for the WBC welterweight title.
Both fighters remain among the most recognizable names in the sport. Their first meeting drew global attention and still stands as the most lucrative fight in boxing.
The structure of a modern rematch may also look different. The 2015 event relied heavily on pay-per-view sales and generated a record 4.6 million domestic buys.
Recent reports indicate the rematch could involve a streaming distribution deal instead of traditional pay-per-view. If that happens, a larger share of the revenue would come from broadcast rights and sponsorship agreements rather than ticket sales alone.
The Sphere would deliver a distinctive setting for a rematch between two of boxing’s most famous fighters. The venue’s capacity also means the event’s financial outcome would depend more on media rights and premium pricing than on a major expansion of the live gate.
Read the full article here