WWE out-performs UFC in revenue for the second quarter in a row

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.