Whatever happens tomorrow in the so-called “Money Fight”, between boxer Floyd Mayweather and MMA Irish fighter, Conor McGregor, there already is a clear winner: the host city of the event, Las Vegas, Nevada, which will have huge economic gains as a result of the show.
Although there were still about 7,000 unsold tickets for tomorrow’s fight, the Los Angeles Times projected the fight will probably generate more than $660 million in revenue.
With the average ticket price around $3,574, the organizers are estimating that the box office will reach abou $70 million, that’s about $10 million more than the money raised in 2015 by the boxing match between Mayweather and Filipino Manny Pacquiao.
What increased dramatically was the cost of hotels for the weekend. An economy room went from $ 133 to $ 233, up 75%. The only hotels that can broadcast the fight in their closed circuit will be the MGM and the Bellagio, who were charging between 150 and 290 dollars per person, which included an open bar.
However, the big profit generator will be the the Pay Per View sales around the world, which could generate revenue close to $700 million.
Bookmakers will also have their field day. The betting trend in Vegas is heavily favorable to McGregor, so a McGregor victory would generate big sportsbook losses there.
It is estimated that in Vegas there will be a record of bets, worth about $80 million, making it the most bet boxing match in history. That’s ignoring the other many millions being bet out of Vegas through bookies and betting houses worldwide.
Mayweather will be a heavy favorite for the 12-round boxing match.
Floyd Mayweather -600 vs Conor McGregor (+420)
They expect about 8,000 Irish boxing fans in the Arena.
