Published on: February 9, 2026, at 10:58 AM.
Updated on: February 10, 2026, at 03:44 AM.
- WWE has allegedly prevented Las Vegas bars and casino sportsbooks from broadcasting WrestleMania 42.
- Ticket sales for the upcoming event at Allegiant Stadium are around 18% lower compared to last year.
- WWE aims to eliminate cheaper viewing options amid high ticket prices, creating a situation where fans have fewer alternatives.
WrestleMania 42 is set to return to Las Vegas for a second year. However, bars and sports betting venues in Sin City are now facing restrictions on hosting their customary event screenings and viewing parties.
According to Fightful Select, Joe Hand, the distributor managing WWE’s Premium Live Events, has enforced a media blackout.
Reports indicate that venues located within a 50-mile radius of Allegiant Stadium—where WrestleMania 42 will take place on April 18-19—are barred from airing any related programming. This restriction applies even to those who have paid for commercial licensing.
Numerous Las Vegas establishments have already received notifications regarding this media blackout.
What’s Behind This Decision?
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer shared that WrestleMania 42 has only secured 36,000 ticket sales each night, reflecting a drop of approximately 18% compared to the same period last year for WrestleMania 41.
Fans appear to be opting for watch parties instead of purchasing stadium tickets due to costs. Single-day tickets for WrestleMania 42 start at around $270 for the most basic seats, while two-day packages range from $650 to $740, and premium offerings soar into five-figure amounts. Some VIP packages are priced at nearly $92,000.
This blackout effectively removes the option for fans to gather at venues to watch the event, leaving tourists to decide between splurging on a stadium ticket or viewing the match privately in their hotel.
The Tradition of Blackout Restrictions
Historically, blackout policies (like the NFL’s 75-mile rule) were implemented to safeguard ticket sales by restricting local broadcasts if a venue didn’t sell out. Fans who couldn’t watch at home often could still enjoy the event at bars with specialized feeds. In contrast, modern MLB restrictions focus on protecting regional sports networks, compelling fans to subscribe to specific cable packages.
The anticipated WrestleMania 42 blackout targets commercial venues rather than home viewers. While anyone with a streaming service can still access the broadcast, WWE aims to limit social viewing platforms that offer much lower admission costs compared to event tickets.
Despite the restrictions, some casinos are attempting to hold viewing parties. Currently, at least two Las Vegas properties advertise WrestleMania 42 events, though clicking the “Learn More” on Circa’s website or “Get Tickets” on Plaza’s site does not result in actual reservations. It seems that both locations might be negotiating for exceptions to the blackout, though it’s uncertain if such requests will be approved.
The first night of WrestleMania is expected to culminate in a match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship, while the second night will highlight Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship—a match that has undergone numerous internal changes as WWE navigates its main event lineup.