Sports Business Journal has unveiled the nominees for its 19th Annual Sports Business Awards, and the world of professional wrestling is well represented.
The WWE: John Cena Farewell Tour has been nominated for Best in Sports Social Media, competing against campaigns from the Indiana Pacers, Inter Miami CF, LIV Golf, MLB on Fox, and B/R W's coverage of Unrivaled.
The nomination reflects the massive digital engagement generated by Cena's ongoing in-ring goodbye to fans around the world.
Mark Shapiro, President & COO of TKO Group Holdings — the parent company of WWE and UFC — is nominated for Executive of the Year. Shapiro is joined in that category by Rick Cordella of NBC Sports, Michael Jordan of 23XI Racing, Jimmy Pitaro of ESPN, and Mark Walter of TWG Global. Under Shapiro's leadership, TKO secured a landmark $1.625 billion, five-year deal with ESPN for WWE Premium Live Events.
Winners will be announced at a live ceremony on May 20, 2026, at the New York Marriott Marquis Times Square.
