Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady has ended its partnership with MMA promoter Cage Wars, sparking speculation about political motivations behind the decision.

Since 2018, Cage Wars hosted over 20 events at the Rivers Schenectady Event Center. The MMA promotion company's main sponsors include Sticker Mule and Stimulus, both owned by Republican businessman Anthony Constantino, who supported Donald Trump's 2024 campaign and is now running for Congress in New York's 21st District.

Rivers Casino, owned by Rush Street Gaming's Neil Bluhm (a prominent Democratic Party donor), denies any political motivation, stating it was "solely a business decision" to evolve their event lineup.

Cage Wars will continue operations at their new venue, the Glens Falls Cool Insuring Arena, which offers nearly ten times the capacity of the Rivers Event Center. The upcoming Cage Wars 69 event on February 7 will feature free admission for all attendees, sponsored by Constantino's congressional campaign.

The promotion currently operates as a pro/amateur MMA league and is not overseen by the New York State Athletic Commission, meaning U.S. regulated sportsbooks cannot offer betting on Cage Wars fights.

CEO Timothy Rankins expressed surprise at Rivers' decision but acknowledges the organization had outgrown the venue's 500-person capacity. The new location in Glens Falls, situated 40 miles north of Schenectady, can accommodate approximately 4,800 spectators.

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