TKO Group is making moves to solidify its international dominance, and they’ve just landed a major player to help execute their vision. The parent company of WWE and UFC has recruited Dean Garfield, Netflix’s former global public policy chief, to architect their worldwide government relations strategy. This isn’t just another corporate hire—it’s a calculated play that signals TKO’s serious intent to expand their footprint across every continent.
Netflix Veteran Takes the Reins
Garfield officially joined TKO on June 16 as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, stepping into a brand-new executive position created specifically for this expansion push. His mission? Navigate the complex world of international politics, policy, and partnerships to bring WWE premium live events and UFC fights to new markets worldwide.
The appointment puts Garfield directly under Seth Krauss, TKO’s Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Counsel to the Board. It’s a strategic reporting structure that shows how seriously the company views this role in their long-term plans.
Why This Hire Makes Perfect Sense
International Ambitions Need Political Savvy
Krauss didn’t mince words about why Garfield was the right choice for this moment in TKO’s evolution. The company is already deep in partnerships across multiple continents, from Western Australia to Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia to various U.S. states including Minnesota, New Jersey, and California.
“Dean’s extensive public policy experience will be integral to supercharging TKO’s government relations strategy, including strengthening our engagement with governments to bring our marquee events to fans in all regions of the world.”
These existing relationships represent just the beginning. With WWE’s global appeal and UFC’s international growth trajectory, TKO needs someone who can speak the language of government officials and navigate regulatory landscapes across different countries and cultures.
Garfield’s Vision for Sports Entertainment
The new SVP brings a clear understanding of how sports entertainment fits into the broader economic and cultural ecosystem. His approach focuses on the community-building and economic impact aspects that government officials care about most.
“I am excited to be joining TKO and for the opportunity to share with governments what we know to be true: People all around the world view sports and live entertainment as central to their lives, to building community, and to delivering economic impact.”
A Resume Built for Global Operations
Netflix Experience Translates Perfectly
Garfield’s most recent role as Netflix’s VP of Public Policy from 2019 until his TKO appointment gave him exactly the kind of global perspective this job demands. He built Netflix’s worldwide government affairs operation from the ground up, dealing with content regulations, market access issues, and cultural sensitivities across dozens of countries.
That experience with a streaming giant trying to penetrate international markets mirrors many of the challenges TKO faces. Both companies deal with content that crosses cultural boundaries, regulatory hurdles in different territories, and the need to build relationships with government stakeholders who may not initially understand their business model.
Entertainment Industry Deep Dive
Before Netflix, Garfield’s career reads like a masterclass in entertainment industry government relations. His executive positions at the Information Technology Industry Council, Motion Picture Association (MPA), and Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) gave him insight into how different entertainment sectors navigate policy challenges.
His bipartisan political credentials add another layer of credibility. Being appointed to the White House’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations by President Obama, then re-appointed by President Trump, shows he can work across political divides—crucial when dealing with governments of different political orientations worldwide.
What This Means for WWE and UFC Fans
More International Events on the Horizon
This hire suggests TKO is preparing for a significant expansion of international programming. WWE has already been testing waters with premium live events in markets like Saudi Arabia and Australia, while UFC continues to explore new territories for their fight cards.
Having a dedicated government affairs executive means TKO can pursue more complex international partnerships, potentially bringing WrestleMania-level events to new countries or securing long-term UFC residencies in emerging markets.
Domestic Growth Opportunities
Don’t overlook the domestic angle either. Garfield’s role includes pursuing subsidies and incentives within the United States, which could mean more WWE and UFC events in states offering attractive financial packages. Think of how film and TV production has shifted based on tax incentives—similar dynamics could influence where TKO takes their biggest shows.
The Bigger Picture Strategy
TKO’s decision to create this position and fill it with someone of Garfield’s caliber reveals their confidence in the global appetite for their content. With his academic credentials—law degree from NYU, master’s from Princeton, bachelor’s from Middlebury—and over two decades of public policy experience, Garfield brings institutional knowledge that money can’t buy.
This move positions TKO not just as an entertainment company, but as a global sports entertainment conglomerate ready to compete with any international media entity. The question now becomes: which markets will we see WWE and UFC conquer next, and how quickly can Garfield’s expertise accelerate that timeline?
