WWE Surpasses UFC in Annual Revenue Milestone: In a major shift within the combat sports and sports entertainment industry, WWE has officially generated more annual revenue than UFC for the first time since both companies came under TKO Group Holdings.
For the fiscal year 2025, WWE reported $1.709 billion in total revenue, marking a strong 22% year-over-year increase. UFC posted $1.502 billion, putting WWE ahead by approximately $207 million.
The milestone highlights WWE’s rapid financial growth and signals a changing balance of power within TKO’s portfolio.
Strong Growth Across Every Revenue Segment
WWE’s financial performance reflects expansion across multiple business areas, with media rights emerging as the biggest driver.
WWE vs UFC Financial Comparison (2025)
| Category | WWE | UFC | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $1.709B (+22%) | $1.502B | WWE leads by $207M |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $896.5M (+32%) | $851M | WWE higher in total profit |
| EBITDA Margin | 52% | 57% | UFC slightly higher margin |
| Media Rights | $1.000B | ~$907M | Major growth driver for WWE |
| Partnerships & Marketing | $159.6M | $314M | UFC still ahead in sponsorships |
For the first time, WWE’s media rights revenue crossed the $1 billion mark, reflecting the full impact of its new global broadcast agreements that began in 2025.
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Media Deals and Global Expansion Fuel WWE’s Rise
The biggest factor behind WWE’s surge has been its upgraded media partnerships, which significantly increased rights fees compared to previous agreements.
At the same time, WWE’s global event strategy has strengthened its financial position. The company generated $412.8 million from live events and hospitality, a 22% increase from the previous year. Higher ticket prices, international shows and premium event hosting fees contributed to the growth.
Consumer products and licensing also performed well, bringing in $136.4 million, while partnerships and sponsorship deals nearly doubled year over year.
Profitability Now Edges Past UFC
WWE’s operating profitability also saw major improvement. Adjusted EBITDA rose to $896.5 million, up 32% from the previous year, with margins improving to 52%.
While UFC remains highly profitable with a strong margin, WWE now generates higher total operating profit, marking another key financial achievement.
Quarterly performance also showed the impact of international event scheduling. Even with one fewer major international event in the final quarter, WWE still posted overall revenue growth, supported by stronger media income.
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TKO’s Overall Performance and 2026 Outlook
The strong results from both WWE and UFC helped TKO Group Holdings deliver a solid financial year.
| Metric | 2025 Result |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $4.735B |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $1.585B |
| Free Cash Flow | $1.159B |
| Shareholder Returns | $1.3B+ (buybacks & dividends) |
Looking ahead, TKO is targeting $5.675–$5.775 billion in revenue for 2026, along with Adjusted EBITDA of $2.24–$2.29 billion. The company also plans a $1 billion share repurchase program starting in March 2026.
WWE’s performance reflects the growing value of premium sports entertainment content in the global media market. Expanded international events, long-term broadcast deals and strong brand partnerships have created a powerful revenue engine.
At the same time, UFC remains a strong business within TKO and continues to lead in certain areas such as sponsorship revenue. Future media agreements and new partnerships could reshape the competition again.
For now, however, WWE’s record year confirms its position as the top revenue generator within TKO a milestone that signals strong momentum heading into the next phase of growth.
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