• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 26, 2026

WWE Mats for Sale: UFC-Inspired Deal Puts Prime Drink Ads Center Stage

  • The mat sponsorship deal aligns with new areas of advertising across sports. 
  • Logan Paul’s drink company was already the official hydration drink of UFC; now it holds that relationship with WWE.

The WWE revealed on Friday night a logo for Prime Hydration, the sports drink founded by YouTube star and frequent WWE collaborator Logan Paul, as its first sponsor to appear on its wrestling mats. A WWE spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal that the logo would appear at future tentpole WWE events, including WrestleMania and Money in the Bank, and that executives are also shopping around sponsorship deals for other places on the mat. 

The agreement with Prime Hydration is for two years at an eight-figure cost, which WWE says marks the largest sponsorship in the organization’s history. It’s also the latest move the WWE has taken from the playbook of UFC since partnering with that outfit last fall to form the TKO Group. Prime became the official drink of UFC in January 2023, and the fighting league has long plastered sponsor logos all over its Octagon. 

According to company earnings reports, UFC brought in $48.3 million in sponsorship revenue during the 2023 fourth quarter, compared to just $15.4 million by WWE in the same time period. That’s despite WWE outearning UFC by $44 million in media rights deals and content sales. 

The new mat sponsorships aligns with a growing ad trend as sports executives push where they can sell sponsorship space. In 2017 the NBA added on-jersey sponsors in the form of a patch, and MLB followed in ’23. In the NFL, sponsor patches are commonplace on practice jerseys, and UFC fighters have had logos on their shorts for years.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 22, 2022; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Sean O'Malley (blue gloves) defeats Petr Yan (red gloveS) during UFC 280 at Etihad Arena. Mandatory Credit: Craig Kidwell-USA TODAY Sports

UFC Fighters React to Zuffa Boxing’s $15 Million Conor Benn Signing

UFC President Dana White is Zuffa Boxing’s lead promoter.
Jan 29, 2022; St. Louis, MO, USA; Ronda Rousey celebrates after winning the women’s Royal Rumble match during the Royal Rumble at The Dome at America's Center.

Ronda Rousey Says UFC Was Not Interested in Fight With Gina Carano

Both fighters will undergo more medical testing than what’s required.
Apr 2, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Ronda Rousey (black attire) and Shotzi (green hair) during Wrestlemania Night 2 at SoFi Stadium.

Netflix Leans Further Into Spectacle Fights With Rousey-Carano

The fight will run in partnership with Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions.
Daniel Cormier

Former UFC Champ Daniel Cormier Touts ‘Historic’ Paramount Deal

“Now we’re in line with the rest of the sports.”

Featured Today

[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Feb 10, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States during the curling mixed doubles gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
February 20, 2026

Curling Clubs Are Swept Up in Olympics Fever. Can It Last?

Every four years, organizations field an influx of curling-curious patrons.
Max Valverde by Ron Winsett
February 17, 2026

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.

Mat Ishbia’s All-Star Weekend Offer Faces Several Major Hurdles

Mark Cuban tells FOS a similar pitch was rejected by the league.
Greg Norman
February 26, 2026

LIV’s Post-Greg Norman Shakeup Continues

Two executives have assumed roles held by Norman and another former official.
Mar 11, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter (34) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
February 26, 2026

Banned NBA Player Jontay Porter Signs With Upstart USBL

Porter was banned from the NBA for gambling violations in 2024.
Sponsored

From USWNT Star to NWSL Franchise Founder

Leslie Osborne, former USWNT midfielder, shares how athletes are moving from the pitch to the ownership table.
February 25, 2026

Pacers Coach Criticizes NBA Over $100K Tanking Fine: ‘Ridiculous’

Aaron Nesmith sprained his elbow on Feb. 2 against Houston.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
February 25, 2026

NFL Is ‘Linchpin Holding’ Cable Bundle Together: Bank of America

The league’s upcoming renegotiations bring heightened risk for networks.
exclusive
February 25, 2026

Inside the WNBA’s Proposed New Economic System: Bigger Share for Stars, Less..

Roster construction will be very different when the league returns.
February 24, 2026

NFL Combine Opens With QB Decisions and Epstein Deflections

The Falcons plan to release Kirk Cousins, as expected.