The network behind Trump’s sporting power

Role: CEO of Endeavor (formerly WME-IMG), one of Hollywood’s most powerful talent and media agencies; owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE); architect of their 2023 merger into the publicly traded company TKO. 
 
Relationship to Trump: Served as Trump’s agent during his The Apprentice reality television era, maintaining a friendly relationship ever since. Was among the first to visit Trump after his 2017 inauguration. Plays a behind-the-scenes role in aligning UFC’s public image more closely with MAGA politics. 
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? Controls two major sports-entertainment platforms – UFC and WWE – that can amplify pro-Trump messaging and cultural narratives to large, engaged audiences. Facilitates events and personalities that reinforce Trump’s political brand. 
 
What does he stand to gain? Maintains strong political ties across the spectrum, leveraging his Trump connection for access and deal-making. His collaboration with Saudi interests in sports positions him for potentially lucrative sales, including a possible future sale of TKO to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. This also expands his influence in global sports diplomacy. 

Role: CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a global mixed martial arts promotion that has existed since 1993.  
 
Relationship to Trump: White and Trump first met in 2001, when Trump hosted two UFC events at his Trump Taj Mahal casino during a period when the UFC was banned in most of the United States. White has publicly credited Trump with giving the UFC its 'first shot' and has maintained a long-term friendship with him. Over time, this relationship has deepened to the point where White is now considered one of Trump’s informal advisors.  
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? White’s support lends Trump credibility and visibility with UFC’s broad and loyal fan base, many of whom align with Trump’s populist and anti-establishment messaging. His endorsement, public appearances (including speaking at the 2016 Republican National Convention), and campaign donations help energise a demographic that is often politically engaged and responsive to Trump’s image as a fighter against the political mainstream. 
 
What does he stand to gain? White benefits from the association by maintaining close ties to a powerful political figure, which could offer networking advantages, regulatory goodwill, and access to influential circles. Aligning with Trump also reinforces the UFC’s brand identity as rebellious, anti-establishment, and unafraid of controversy – traits that resonate with its core audience. 

Role: President of FIFA, world football’s governing body, first elected in 2016. 
 
Relationship to Trump: Elected shortly before Trump took office, he quickly developed a friendship with Trump as the latter sought to secure hosting rights for the 2026 World Cup. The relationship deepened during Trump’s second term, with Infantino attending Trump’s inauguration and meeting him in the Oval Office. 
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? By publicly affirmed the U.S.’s capability to host the 2026 World Cup, Infantino lends Trump international legitimacy and a positive global spotlight during a period marked by trade disputes and controversial immigration policies. His presence and endorsement reinforced Trump’s image as a leader able to win prestigious international events for the country. 
 
What does he stand to gain? Strengthens ties with a major host nation for FIFA’s flagship tournament, ensuring strong political and logistical backing for the 2026 World Cup. By aligning with the U.S. administration, Infantino can secure commitments on infrastructure, security, and promotional support for FIFA’s interests.  

Role: President of the organising committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics; CEO of Wasserman, a major sports marketing and talent management agency 
 
Relationship to Trump: While traditionally aligned with Democratic politics, Wasserman has maintained pragmatic ties with Trump’s circle to protect and advance major sports initiatives, including securing political and logistical support for the LA Olympics. He defended Trump’s decision to name himself as the head of a White House task force for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, saying it reflected the federal government's commitment to the Games. 
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? Brings credibility and influence from the global sports community, reinforcing Trump’s image as a figure connected to major international events. Facilitates opportunities for Trump to tie himself to the prestige of the Olympics and the broader sports economy. 
 
What does he stand to gain? Gains political goodwill and potential federal support for the LA 2028 Games. 

Role: Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), one of the largest sovereign wealth funds globally; Chairman of Saudi Aramco; Chairman of LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed golf league that sought a merger with the PGA Tour. 
 
Relationship to Trump: Close personal and professional ties, including playing golf together and attending UFC events. Seen as one of the figures best positioned to use sports as a diplomatic bridge with Trump. 
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? Through joint appearances and shared sports interests, Al-Rumayyan bolsters Trump’s image as an international dealmaker and sports influencer. His lobbying on the LIV Golf-PGA merger and potential UFC acquisition aligns with Trump’s affinity for high-profile sports ventures and deep-pocketed foreign partnerships. 
 
What does he stand to gain? Gains a powerful ally in the U.S. who can help navigate political and regulatory hurdles for Saudi investments in American sports. Strengthens Saudi soft power through Trump’s networks and influence, potentially smoothing the path for controversial deals like the LIV-PGA merger or a future UFC acquisition. 

Role: Owner of the Dallas Mavericks, an American professional basketball team that competes in the National Basketball Association 
 
Relationship to Trump: Since the 2010s, the Israeli philanthropist, and wife of the late casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has been one of the Republican Party's largest individual donors, and since 2016 she has been one of the most prominent financial supporters of Donald Trump. She was the largest donor to his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, and the third largest in 2024. Trump awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018.  
 
How does she benefit Trump’s politics? Adelson is also reportedly behind the crackdown on criticism of Israel in the US. She founded the Maccabee Task Force (MTF) to “combat the disturbing spread of antisemitism on college campuses” and is behind the social media campaign targeting Columbia University and Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestinian green card holder that the US is attempting to deport.  
 
What does she stand to gain? Adelson has consistently advocated for the US government to adopt pro-Israel policies, including supporting Israel's annexation of the West Bank.  

Role: Chief Content Officer of World Wrestling Entertainment; former professional wrestler (Triple H) 
 
Relationship to Trump: Levesque is the son-in-law of Trump’s secretary of education Linda McMahon.  
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? He attended the recent signing of an executive order reviving the Presidential Fitness Test and the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. His presence – alongside other notable athletes – served to associate the initiative with credibility and high status in the public eye. 

Role: High-profile MMA manager representing some of the UFC’s biggest stars; former undercover informant for the NYPD in 2002 targeting an extremist Islamist group, later dismissed by both the NYPD and FBI for being deceitful. 
 
Relationship to Trump: Embedded in Trump’s MMA network through personal ties to Trump allies such as UFC President Dana White, political operator Richard Grenell and FBI Director Kash Patel. Has cultivated influence within Trump’s sports-political sphere by leveraging his position in MMA.  
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? Acts as a bridge between the UFC’s influential figures and Trump’s political apparatus. For example, he uses his roster of fighters to publicly support Trump and align with his policies. HIs fighters have even held campaign events to convert Arab American anger over Gaza into election support.  

Role: Secretary of Education; former administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (2017-2019) under Trump; later chair of the America First Policy Institute, a think tank closely aligned with Trump’s political agenda; former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment  
 
Relationship to Trump: Longtime personal and political ally alongside her husband Vince McMahon. Served in Trump’s cabinet during his first term and remained active in his political orbit through leadership of a pro-Trump policy group. Now serves as his secretary of education.  
 
McMahon’s appointment to Trump’s administration occurred despite being embroiled in a scandal in which WWE employees were recruiting teenage boys for the purpose of sexual exploitation in the 1980s and 90s. As CEO of WWE at the time, McMahon was involved in damage control and corporate communications when the allegations went public, insisting the company acted appropriately once complaints came to their attention. 
 
The full lawsuit can be read here 
 
How does she benefit Trump’s politics? Supports and promotes key priorities such as dismantling the Department of Education, reinforcing Trump’s messaging on returning power to states and local communities. McMahon has since continued to do Trump’s bidding, threatening universities with legal action for refusing to ban transgender girls from women’s sports or complying with the Trump administration’s other measures, including abolishing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies designed to ensure that individuals from historically underrepresented groups have equal opportunities to succeed as their more privileged counterparts. 
 
What does she stand to gain? Maintains close access to Trump’s political network and influence over conservative policymaking. Strengthens her public profile and policy legacy by championing initiatives aligned with her own ideological views, particularly in business regulation and education reform. 

Role: Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States 
 
Relationship to Trump: Known as Trump’s 'fixer,' Grenell served as acting director of national intelligence under Trump in 2020. He is the first openly gay man to hold a cabinet level position in US history.  
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? Grenell has built networks with UFC fighters and executives who could later be useful to Trump. For example, he hosted a series of events with UFC fighters in Dearborn, Michigan, that aimed to harness Arab anger at Biden’s handling of the Gaza war to vote for Trump.   

Role: FBI Director, appointed by Trump in his second term 
 
Relationship to Trump: Patel caught Trump’s attention after becoming a senior counsel to the House of Representatives intelligence committee in 2017. He quickly rose within Trump's circle after he was hired as a national security aide in 2019, and in 2020 was appointed chief of staff to the head of the Pentagon. He is on the board of Trump Media and Technology Group, which owns Trump's social media platform, Truth Social. 
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? Uses his position to potentially direct federal law enforcement resources toward Trump’s priorities. This includes plans to establish a formal partnership with the UFC, whereby the UFC would develop training programs for federal agents.  
 
What does he stand to gain? Gains significant political capital and visibility as one of Trump’s most loyal and high-profile appointees. Strengthens his network by connecting with influential Trump allies in sports and politics, positioning himself as a central figure in Trump’s broader power structure 

Role: Former communications director for the UFC; currently serves as White House communications director under Trump. 
 
Relationship to Trump: Transitioned from the sports world into politics by joining Trump’s orbit, bringing media and audience engagement expertise from the UFC to the political arena. 
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? Helps shape communication strategies that target young, apolitical men – a demographic Trump has sought to mobilise – using sports culture and podcast platforms as key engagement channels. Leverages sports media tactics to frame Trump’s messaging in ways that resonate outside traditional political audiences. 

Role: Former NCAA swimmer who gained national attention for her outspoken advocacy on issues surrounding women’s sports, particularly focusing on the inclusion of transgender women in women’s athletic competitions. 
 
Relationship to Trump: Strongly aligned with Trump’s MAGA movement. She has become one of the leading voices in the campaign to restrict transgender women from participating in women’s sports. 
 
How does she benefit Trump’s politics? Viewed as a symbolic figure in the intersection of athletics and conservative politics, helping to mobilise support among younger athletes and women’s sports advocates. She is also among the most prominent advocates for Trump’s 'Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports' executive order, which rescinded federal funding for educational programs which permit transgender women to compete in women’s athletics. 

Role: Mixed martial arts star and former UFC champion. 
 
Relationship to Trump: Recently cultivated ties with Trump, highlighted by his St. Patrick’s Day visit to the White House where he was invited instead of the Irish Prime Minister. Spoke in the White House press briefing room and met with Trump in the Oval Office. 
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? Brings celebrity appeal and connection to far-right audiences in Ireland and internationally. His notoriety and outspoken style appeal to Trump’s base, reinforcing anti-establishment and nationalist themes. His involvement signals Trump’s willingness to engage controversial figures who resonate with certain voter segments. 
 
What does he stand to gain? Gains political credibility within conservative circles in the U.S. and abroad, bolstering his potential bid for the Irish presidency. Aligning with Trump amplifies his profile among right-wing audiences and provides a platform to extend his influence beyond sports into politics. 

Role: Professional golfer and two-time major champion 
 
Relationship to Trump: Has known Trump since 2016 and maintains a friendly rapport. Recently featured Trump on his YouTube series Break 50, where they practiced golf together on camera. 
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? Provides Trump with access to younger, sports-oriented audiences through his YouTube and social media platforms. The casual, lighthearted golf content humaniszes Trump and extends his reach into a demographic that may not follow traditional political channels. 
 
What does he stand to gain? Strengthens his relationship with Trump, which could open doors for business opportunities, sponsorships, and high-profile appearances. 

Role: Logan Paul is a WWE star and media personality; Jake Paul is a celebrity boxer and social media influencer. Both began as YouTube content creators before expanding into mainstream sports and entertainment. 
 
Relationship to Trump: Publicly endorsed Trump, attended his inauguration, and featured him in their media platforms. Jake released a 19-minute video urging his fans to vote for Trump, while Logan hosted Trump on his podcast, providing a high-profile platform within the manosphere, which promotes masculinity, misogyny, and opposition to feminism.  
 
How do they benefit Trump? Give Trump direct access to millions of young, predominantly male followers who are often disengaged from traditional politics. Their endorsements and appearances help frame Trump as culturally relevant and in tune with internet-native audiences. 
 
What do they stand to gain? Strengthen their personal brands as bold, anti-establishment figures. Association with Trump fuels media attention, drives engagement from politically active segments of their audience, and positions them as influencers who can cross over into political discourse. 

Role: Trustee and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, overseeing a portfolio that includes the family’s golf properties and luxury real estate holdings. 
 
Relationship to Trump: Beyond being his son, Eric plays a key operational role in managing the Trump brand, especially its golf resorts. These venues often double as political backdrops and networking hubs for Trump’s allies. 
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? Uses the Trump Organization’s golf properties as spaces for fundraising, political events, and cultivating relationships with influential figures in sports and business. Helps maintain the public image of Trump’s lifestyle brand, reinforcing the aspirational and elite imagery that appeals to parts of his base. 

Role: Eldest son of Donald Trump; businessman, political influencer, and major figure in his father’s political movement. 
 
Relationship to Trump: Acts as a high-profile surrogate and campaign figure, mobilising specific voter blocs through targeted events and messaging. Shares his father’s affinity for blending sports, celebrity, and politics to engage audiences. 
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? Invests in the Enhanced Games through the 1789 Capital fund, aligning with a controversial, attention-grabbing sports concept that appeals to anti-regulation and libertarian-minded segments of Trump’s base. During the 2020 campaign, he co-hosted the “Fighters Against Socialism” bus tour with UFC star Jorge Masvidal, using sports personalities to rally Hispanic and sports-oriented voters. 

Role: Longtime UFC commentator and host of one of the most popular podcasts in the world, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’,  a major cultural influencer with a large, predominantly male audience. 
 
Relationship to Trump: Hosted Trump on his podcast in October 2024, later endorsed him during an episode with Elon Musk. Attended Trump’s inauguration and has since been embraced as a prominent figure within the MAGA community. 
 
How does he benefit Trump’s politics? Gives Trump access to millions of listeners, particularly young and middle-aged men who may be politically disengaged but receptive to Rogan’s mix of countercultural and anti-establishment messaging. His endorsement and platforming of Trump in the run-up to the election provided credibility within certain online and cultural communities, amplifying Trump’s reach beyond traditional political media.

Photo credit for top photo: Jeff Bottari/Getty Images, Michelle Farsi/Getty Images, Michael Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images, Amy Sussman/Getty Images, Rob Kim/Getty Images, Chris Unger/Getty Images, Spencer Platt/Getty Images, Emilee Chinn/Getty Images, Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images, Ed Mulholland/Getty Images, Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images, Rick Kern/Getty Images, Pool/Getty Images, Chris Unger/Getty Images, Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images, Terry Wyatt/Getty Images, Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images, Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images. Illustration: Play the Game