WrestleMania 42 Pulled From New Orleans, Host City Now a Mystery
The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation has confirmed that WrestleMania 42 will no longer take place in New Orleans in 2026, despite WWE’s announcement in February. Wrestlenomics reports a future WrestleMania in the Crescent City is still promised, but the timetable is now “to be determined.”
What New Orleans Gets Instead
As part of a larger multi‑event deal with TKO Group Holdings, New Orleans will host Money in the Bank 2026 and UFC 318 on July 19, 2025, inside the Smoothie King Center. Local organizers and TKO call it an expansion of their “long‑standing partnership.”
Where Could WrestleMania 42 Land?
PWInsider reports that multiple WWE sources believe WrestleMania 42 will be staged outside the United States or Canada, which would mark a first for the company’s flagship event. London quickly jumped to the front of social‑media speculation, thanks to remarks from Mayor Sadiq Khan last month:
“The Mayor remains committed to making London WrestleMania’s first international destination,” a city report on economic impact stated.
Other speculated locations include France, Australia, and a long-shot bit for Saudi Arabia, even though they're already hosting next year's Royal Rumble.
A report from NOLA.com suggests an unnamed official saying "the new leadership running WWE decided that they would rather hold next year's event in Las Vegas and see what response they get from fans." Dave Meltzer has confirmed the report, although he says Vegas is not locked in. Meltzer added the date of the event is expected to change.
Here was the original New Orleans announcement back in February.
Why the Sudden Switch?
Neither WWE nor New Orleans officials have explained the change. Factors could range from stadium availability to sweeter international site-fee incentives. Until WWE releases an official statement, fans are left guessing where WrestleMania’s biggest set and biggest crowd will touch down in 2026.
New Orleans will move forward with Money in the Bank 2026, while WWE is expected to announce WrestleMania 42’s new host city once negotiations are finalized.