The bout is expected to stream on Netflix and be sanctioned as a professional contest, meaning the result will officially count towards the records of both fighters.
“It didn’t make any sense to put it at The Sphere. It’s not linked to a casino,” the official told Boxingscene, describing the reasoning behind the move. MGM’s model relies on integrating big fights with its network of Strip properties, including high-roller packages and weeklong promotional events that drive revenue beyond ticket sales.
That structure has been central to the recent fight week rollout, including Cinco de Mayo weekend cards at T-Mobile Arena. The Sphere, which is owned by Madison Square Garden Entertainment, does not offer the same ecosystem.
The scheduling shift also reflects practical constraints. T-Mobile Arena was booked on September 19, but remains available in mid-August, which matches the revised timeline under discussion.
The same official cautioned buyers against buying tickets for the secondary market tied to The Sphere location, saying 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 switching to a place with casino economics, they could generate the kind of site fee and high-roller revenue needed to satisfy Floyd’s price tag, even if the professional versus exhibition argument isn’t quite 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 will appear in an exhibition on June 27.
