Mayweather-Pacquiao Rematch Shifts from Sphere to MGM Arenas

Plans for a high-profile rematch between boxing legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are shifting, with organizers moving the event away from The Sphere in Las Vegas to casino-affiliated venues and potentially advancing the date from September 19.

An official familiar with the discussions told reporters that the fight is being rerouted to either T-Mobile Arena or MGM Grand Garden Arena, both operated by MGM Resorts International. The change stems from the need for a venue integrated with casino operations to support high-roller packages and promotional revenue. "It made no sense to put it at The Sphere. It's not connected to a casino," the official said. The source added that the bout is "one million percent not happening" at The Sphere and cautioned against buying tickets for that location.

The revised timeline targets mid-August, such as August 15, partly because T-Mobile Arena is already booked on the original September 19 date. The event remains slated for live broadcast on Netflix.

The adjustments come amid ongoing uncertainty about the fight's format. Representatives from Pacquiao's camp have described it as a fully sanctioned professional bout that would count...