With Forbes ranking the most valuable combat sports properties, it is clear the industry is doing well. Five different promotions were ranked, including two leading professional wrestling organizations. Additionally, four of the five had valuations over $1 billion.
The UFC stood on top of the list with an astounding $11.3 billion valuation. MMA’s global talent pool helps its ability to connect regardless of language. UFC has seen incredible growth due to its partnership with ESPN and its recent merger with WWE.
Its TKO partner, WWE, came in second, with a $6.8 billion valuation. As the WWE enters a new era with new leadership, things are looking as bright as ever. The worldwide leader of professional wrestling recently held its most lucrative event in company history, WrestleMania XL.
In third, All Elite Wrestling showed the love the public has for professional wrestling. Under the guidance of Tony Khan, AEW has a $2 billion valuation per Forbes. The company continues to build its library with the acquisition of Ring of Honor and works in partnership with other organizations, such as New Japan Pro Wrestling.
ONE Championship came in fourth, with a $1.3 billion total. Bolstered by its global talent roster, ONE embraces the totality of martial arts with kickboxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and submission grappling. The organization hosted its first event on U.S. soil last May, delivering for Colorado’s sold-out audience.
The valuations help give context to the current health of the industry. Fans are enamored with combat, and it does not appear to be slowing down. The industry’s growth is a sign that only bigger and better things are to come.
