Posted on 5/07/126 by Colin Vassallo
For the second quarter in a row, WWE out-performed UFC when
it comes to money, ending the first quarter of 2026 with
$475.7 million versus the $401.2 million from the UFC.
The revenue was divided in $281.7 million in media rights,
production, and content, $123.5 million in live events and
hospitality, $26.2 million in partnerships and marketing,
and $44.3 million in consumer products licensing.
Revenue increased 22%, or $84.2 million, driven by a $47.2
million increase in live events and hospitality revenue, a
$30.1 million increase in media rights, production and
content revenue, a $6.3 million increase in consumer
products licensing and other revenue, and a $0.6 million
increase in partnerships and marketing revenue.
The increase in live events and hospitality revenue was
primarily related to an increase in financial incentive
package revenues, most notably for Royal Rumble in Saudi
Arabia, compared to the prior year period.
The increase in media rights, production and content revenue
was primarily related to higher media rights fees, notably
the impact of distribution agreements with Netflix and ESPN.
The increase in consumer products licensing and other
revenue was primarily related to the sale of WWE-branded
products, including mobile games and collectibles, compared
to the prior year period.
The increase in partnerships and marketing revenue was
primarily related to new partners and an increase in fees
from renewals compared to the prior year period.