The UFC enjoyed one of the most financially successful years in 2022 with record-setting sold-out events and massive sponsorship deals.
The brand is owned by Endeavor and has proven to be one of its most profitable sporting ventures. This past Tuesday, Endeavor disclosed the numbers brought in by the promotion during an earnings report call. The parent company’s sports portfolio consists of UFC and Professional Bull Riders. UFC played a significant part in boosting the overall sports portfolio revenue to $1.3 billion, an increase of 20 percent, or $224.1 million more than the previous year.
UFC enjoys a record-breaking year in 2022 with immense digital success
Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel shared the details of the UFC’s tremendous financial success in 2022 with sold-out events and record-setting arena shows.
“Both organizations recorded record revenue last year,” Emanuel said. “All 21 UFC events with live audiences sold out, continuing a 29 event sell out streak since returning from the pandemic. UFC posted its best sponsorship year ever in 2022, unlocking new categories and inventory to reach a fan base that grew double digits over 2021 in the U.S.
“It also continues to be an industry leader in digital engagement. UFC’s social media accounts now have over 220 million followers combined. TikTok followers alone grew 55 percent year over year.”
New records for live gates were set for the company
Since the pandemic-related restrictions were not a barrier anymore, the promotion hosted more cards outside of its home base, UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. UFC’s Chief Financial Officer Jason Lublin shared the leading mixed martial arts promotion’s performance for live events domestically and internationally.
“UFC set 11 arena records for highest-grossing events, including four of the highest grossing Fight Nights in the U.S. and the two highest grossing Fight Nights in UFC history, both at London’s O2 Arena.”
Lublin further revealed 2022 to be the most successful year for the company in terms of sponsorship numbers.
“UFC also had its highest sponsorship sales in the company’s history,” Lublin said. “We added several new sponsors to our roster like V-Chain, New Amsterdam Vodka, and Project Rock. We also introduced new categories like the official commercial truck, the official law firm, and the official ready-to-drink partners of the UFC.”
In 2022, UFC hosted 42 events with 21 at the Apex and 13 PPVs in five countries. Conor McGregor is set to make his highly-anticipated comeback in the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter against Michael Chandler as coaches with a bout targeted for later this year. If history is any indication, the promotion will likely keep extending its dominant run in the sport.
(Transcription credit: MMA Fighting)
