TKO Group Holdings revealed significant economic benefits for the WWE and the UFC in the first quarter of 2025.
The company, which oversees both brands, reported revenue of $1.268 billion (a 4% increase from last year) and net profit of $165.5 million.
Ariel Emmanuel, executive chair and CEO of TKO, expressed confidence and stated in the company’s direction. “TKO is off to a good start in 2025 with both the UFC and WWE delivering solid financial results in 2025. Given the strength and momentum of these businesses and the lack of significant changes to the overall business outlook, we are bringing guidance.”
For WWE, revenues rose 24% from $336.7 million generated in the first quarter of 2024. Surge was driven primarily by a $30 million increase in media rights, including WWE’s expansion of global content allocation agreement with Netflix. WWE also increased revenue from live events by $26.1 million thanks to an increase in ticket sales and a successful European tour leading up to the WrestleMania 41. WWE’s adjusted EBITDA reached $133.9 million, 38%.
The UFC also provided strong numbers, generating revenue of $359.7 million. This is a 15% increase from $313 million the previous year. UFC profits were driven by a $23.3 million spike in live events and hospitality revenues, including major events in Saudi Arabia. Partnerships and media rights transactions also contributed to the increase, with adjusted EBITDA rising to $227.4 million.
The report also highlighted TKO’s full-year forecast. The company currently expects revenue to reach between $4.49 billion and $4.566 billion, rising from its previous $3 billion forecast. The adjusted EBITDA is projected to reach between $1.49 billion and $1.53 billion.
Despite positive results, IMG reported a decline of $73.4 million in revenue, a decline of $476.3 million in quarter. TKO attributed the DIP to adjustments in production and marketing costs for events.
