TKO Reports Increased Revenue

TKO Group Holdings, parent company of both UFC and WWE, posted first quarter revenue of $1.597 billion in its latest earnings call — a 26% year-on-year increase.

The UFC brought in $401.2 million for the quarter, up $41.5 million from the same period in 2025. WWE outpaced that growth, recording $475.7 million — an $84.2 million increase — with live events and hospitality leading the way, nearly doubling from $76.3 million to $123.5 million.

TKO also confirmed it had returned approximately $1 billion to equity holders through stock buybacks, dividend payments and other distributions, alongside an additional $1 billion share repurchase authorisation.

“TKO is off to a formidable start in 2026, with strong results and continued momentum across each of our businesses. We are reaffirming our full-year guidance, and today’s incremental $1 billion share repurchase authorization underscores our conviction in TKO and its long-term value,” CEO Ari Emanuel

TKO president and COO Mark Shapiro highlighted UFC Freedom 250 at the White House and On Location’s FIFA World Cup partnership as headline summer events expected to drive further audience growth. TKO has set full-year 2026 revenue guidance at between $5.675 billion and $5.775 billion.

“TKO’s first quarter results reflect the strength and durability of our premium IP. Our media rights portfolio is firmly in place, our financial incentive packages continue to scale, and demand for our premium live events and experiences is healthy. With UFC Freedom 250 at the White House and On Location’s FIFA World Cup partnership, TKO will take center stage this summer, crowning moments for audience growth, cultural relevance, and our business trajectory,” Shapiro