TKO Group Holdings, the powerhouse behind WWE and UFC, kicked off 2026 with a financial bang, reporting a staggering $1.597 billion in first-quarter revenue. That's a 26% leap from last year, fueled by blockbuster performances from both sports entertainment giants. The company also revealed it returned roughly $1 billion to shareholders through stock buybacks and dividends, signaling robust confidence in its trajectory.

WWE led the charge with $475.7 million in revenue—a hefty $84.2 million jump from Q1 2025—while UFC brought in $401.2 million, up $41.5 million. Behind the scenes, though, the strong numbers come with a twist: reports surfaced this week that WWE asked several wrestlers to take significant pay cuts. Meanwhile, live events and hospitality nearly doubled, soaring from $76.3 million to $123.5 million, proving fans are flocking back to arenas in droves.

TKO CEO Ari Emanuel called the start "formidable," citing robust media rights deals and growing demand for premium live events. The company projects full-year revenue between $5.675 billion and $5.775 billion, with summer spectacles on the horizon. For sports fans and gear enthusiasts alike, this momentum signals more epic showdowns—and more chances to rep your favorite fighters and superstars in style.