• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 9, 2025

WrestleMania Record Shows WWE’s Popularity Surging Ahead Of Merger

  • WrestleMania 40 is already setting gate records shortly after going on sale.
  • WWE will merge with UFC under the Endeavor-owned TKO Holdings banner next month.
Courtesy WWE

WWE’s popularity could be at an all-time high as the company closes in on a $9.3 billion merger with the UFC.

Tickets for WrestleMania 40 broke the all-time WWE gate record of $21.5 million less than 24 hours after going on sale Friday, WWE sources confirmed to Front Office Sports. More than 90,000 tickets have been sold for the two-day event at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field in April 2024.

The previous gate record was just set this spring at Wrestlemania 39 over two days at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Given that WrestleMania 40 won’t begin for nearly eight months, those ticket and gate records could be pushed even higher.

By mid-to-late-September, WWE is expected to be fully merged with the UFC as the newly formed TKO Holdings, which will be majority-owned by Endeavor. 

WWE’s most recent quarterly revenue was up 25% year-over-year at $410.3 million, but Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel has nevertheless hinted at potential layoffs as the two fighting units come together.

At the top of WWE’s agenda right now is negotiating new media rights deals for its SmackDown and Raw properties. Its current contracts with USA Network and Fox expire in 2024.

To The Octagon

The UFC broke the gate record at Salt Lake City’s Delta Center for UFC 291 last month, bringing in more than $6.5 million and over 18,00 fans in attendance.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL and College Football TV Ratings Continue to Surge, Especially for CBS

The network’s singleheader coverage Sunday drew huge viewership.

MLB’s Rare October Day: Four Playoff Games, Four Possible Clinchers

Four separate clinching opportunities are available during the day.
Mar 19, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; USA shortstop Trea Turner (8) throws to first base for an out during the first inning at LoanDepot Park.

Fox Picks Up Media Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The network will repeat its role in the international baseball tournament.
YouTube/Le Batard Show

Stugotz Says He’s on Le Batard Show ‘a Bunch’ in Next 30..

Stugotz hasn’t appeared on Le Batard’s show in months.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Mar 15, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts after scoring a goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.

How Connor McDavid’s Extension Set Off a Wave of Big-Money Deals

Several notable contracts are completed in the wake of the superstar’s deal.
exclusive
October 8, 2025

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.
Alexis Ohanian
October 8, 2025

Alexis Ohanian Tweaks Track Rivals With Promise of Instant Payments

Athletes will be paid minutes after finishing their races at Athlos.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 7, 2025

‘Absolutely Ridiculous’: Trump Blasts NFL Over Bad Bunny Choice

The president predictably panned the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican superstar.
Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive
October 7, 2025

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Taylor Swift
October 7, 2025

Taylor Swift Explains Why She Isn’t Playing Super Bowl Halftime

She said she’s “too locked in” on Travis Kelce’s season to perform.
October 7, 2025

NHL Skates Into Season With Record Revenue, Rising Cap, and Labor Peace

The new season begins after a productive and historic summer.