UFC Freedom 250 tickets: Dana White explains restrictions for White House event

TL;DR

UFC CEO Dana White announced that 85,000 tickets for the Freedom 250 event at the White House will be given away due to federal restrictions. The event, taking place on June 14, cannot sell any merchandise or tickets on federal land.

Key points

UFC Freedom 250 event on June 14
85,000 tickets will be given away
Event held at Ellipse Park near the White House
No sales allowed on federal land
UFC covering all costs for the event

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UFCWhite HouseEllipse Park

The 85,000 tickets the UFC says it will give away to its Freedom 250 event at the White House June 14 won't exactly be offered in an act of generosity. It’s the law, UFC CEO Dana White explained during a May 8 appearance on CBS Mornings.

"It’s on federal land," White said, referring to the Ellipse Park that’s across the street from the White House and where 85,000 people are expected to gather and watch the fights on large screens.

"The taxpayers aren’t paying anything," White added. “We’re (paying) the bill for this whole fight. And I can’t sell a hot dog, a T-shirt or a ticket. Nothing can be sold on federal land."

President Donald Trump shows a rendering of the upcoming "UFC Freedom 250" event during a meeting with UFC fighters in the Oval Office of the White House on May 6, 2026.

President Donald Trump shows a rendering of the White House to illustrate the concept of the Ultimate Fighting Championship event planned for June 14, 2026, as he holds an event with UFC fighters Alex Pereira, Ciryl Gane, Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., May 6, 2026.