The UFC’s first major financial report since its merger with WWE revealed staggering revenue growth for the mixed martial arts promotion. In the first two quarters of 2023, the UFC generated $611.9 million in revenue, a significant increase over the same period in 2022.
UFC’s parent company, TKO, released revenue numbers today
In the first half of 2023, UFC had over $610 million in revenue 👀 pic.twitter.com/uswgJNJGYL
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) November 2, 2023
The biggest driver of the UFC’s revenue growth was its media rights and content deals. The promotion’s deal with ESPN, which pays out over $300 million per year, accounted for $224.1 million in revenue in the first quarter and $211.7 million in revenue in the second quarter. The UFC’s live events also generated strong revenue in the first two quarters of 2023. The promotion held 10 live events in the first half of the year, which generated a total of $112.7 million in revenue.
Sponsorship and consumer product licensing also contributed to the UFC’s revenue growth. The promotion’s sponsors include Venum, Crypto.com, and Monster Energy. The UFC also licenses its brand to a variety of partners, including Reebok and Topps. The UFC’s financial performance is a testament to the growing popularity of mixed martial arts. The sport has become increasingly mainstream in recent years, and the UFC is the leading MMA promotion in the world.
The UFC’s merger with WWE has also been a success. The combined company, now known as TKO Group Holdings, is valued at over $21 billion. WWE is also enjoying a strong year financially, with revenue of $707.9 million in the first two quarters of 2023. The merger has allowed the UFC and WWE to share resources and expertise. The two promotions have already collaborated on several projects, including a co-branded event in September 2023.
The UFC is well-positioned for continued growth in the years to come. The promotion has a strong roster of fighters, a loyal fan base, and a lucrative media rights deal. The UFC is also investing in new markets, such as China and India.
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