TKO raises its 2026 outlook again as UFC lifts third-quarter revenue 21% to $1.36 billion. Key points * Revenue rose 21% to $1.360 billion; UFC revenue rose 60% to $519.2 million while WWE slipped 1% [[1]]. * Net income was $277.9 million versus $106.8 million; diluted EPS was $1.33 versus $0.47 [[1]]. * 2026 guidance raised to revenue of $5.790 billion to $5.830 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $2.295 billion to $2.315 billion [[1]]. TKO Group Holdings raised its 2026 guidance for the second time this year after third-quarter revenue rose 21% to $1.360 billion [[1]]. It now expects full-year revenue of $5.790 billion to $5.830 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $2.295 billion to $2.315 billion, up from the $5.775 billion to $5.825 billion and $2.275 billion to $2.305 billion it set in August [[1]]. UFC drove the quarter. Its revenue rose 60% to $519.2 million, mainly from higher media rights fees under the Skydance distribution agreement that began in January, plus two extra events and a record UFC 329 [[1]]. WWE revenue fell 1% to $399.3 million as live events revenue dropped $24.8 million, and IMG revenue rose $54.6 million to $391.3 million [[1]]. Net income rose to $277.9 million from $106.8 million; after non-controlling interests, $98.7 million was attributable to TKO, or $1.33 per diluted Class A share [[1]]. Adjusted EBITDA rose 54% to $555.7 million, a 41% margin versus 32% [[1]]. Quarter in numbers. | Metric | Q3 2026 | Q2 2026 | Q3 2025 | | Revenue | $1,360.1M | $1,547.1M | $1,119.9M | | Margin after direct operating costs | 64.0% | 64.1% | 60.7% | | Operating income | $377.5M | $429.8M | $171.9M | | Net income | $277.9M | $303.9M | $106.8M | | Net income attributable to TKO | $98.7M | $101.6M | $41.0M | | Diluted EPS | $1.33 | $1.34 | $0.47 | | Adjusted EBITDA | $555.7M | $649.9M | $360.2M | | UFC revenue | $519.2M | $535.7M | $325.2M | Free cash flow rose to $449.9 million from $398.9 million [[1]]. TKO has $936.0 million left under its $3 billion buyback authorization and expects to repurchase the balance [[1]]. Its guidance assumes all live events, including those in the Middle East, go ahead as planned [[1]]. "Our business is durable and our fundamentals are solid, with the vast majority of our existing revenues locked in for the next five to seven years," said Mark Shapiro, TKO's president and chief operating officer [[1]]. Companies mentioned. At the intersection of AI, tech, and markets. The stories that matter, in one email. Free - unsubscribe anytime.

WWE's next Danhausen plan has a Christmas twist - report. November 5, 2026 WWE is not done turning Danhausen into a holiday attraction just yet. After making him one of the faces of Halloween, the company reportedly has a Christmas plan in mind for the Very Nice, Very Evil star. This time, Danhausen is getting ready to bring "Santahausen." How Danhausen could be involved in WWE's Christmas-themed character plans. According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, WWE is planning to introduce the Santahausen concept over the next few months. The decision reportedly comes after the company saw how well Danhausen performed from a marketing standpoint during the Halloween season. "Following the tremendous success of Danhausen during Halloween, WWE is planning to roll out 'Santahausen' Christmas-themed merch ahead of the holidays, @WrestleVotes Radio on @FightfulSelect has learned," the report stated. The report suggests that WWE has high expectations for this new merchandise push. The company is also planning more than just a few festive T-shirts for the occasion. Specific release dates and prices have not been revealed yet. The Santahausen plans follow a busy Halloween season for Danhausen. WWE gave the star a lot of opportunities to show his unusual personality across its programming. One of the highlights was his own "Very Nice, Very Evil Halloween Special" on YouTube. The special featured appearances from several familiar names, including Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Danhausen also played a major role in WWE's Halloween-themed programming around SmackDown and NXT Halloween Havoc. His appearance on SmackDown also brought chaos. During the special "Very Nice, Very Evil" edition of the show, Danhausen crossed paths with Gunther and cursed him. The segment also featured the return of The Demon Finn Bálor. Danhausen also brought back the Gingerbread Man from the dead. It was clear that WWE wanted to make the most of Danhausen's character during the Halloween season. The reported merchandise success now appears to have encouraged the company to continue that approach. Bibon Sinha is a wrestling writer at WrestleZone, Evolve Media, with over four years of experience in sports journalism. He covers the latest wrestling news, storylines, match breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes developments. A lifelong fan of John Cena, Bibon enjoys exploring character arcs, breaking down in-ring storytelling, and predicting where storylines could go next.

WWE & Disney expand partnership with two-day event. November 3, 2026 The Walt Disney Company and WWE are expanding their partnership with a two-day event that will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This will take place on December 14-15 and will be headlined by two major events: * The John Cena Classic * Marvel Studios' Avengers: Doomsday-themed Worlds Collide This collaboration will bring together the companies' renowned storytelling to create a landmark crossover moment for both Disney and WWE fans. The announcement was made on Monday Night Raw in front of a sold-out Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The first-ever edition of The John Cena Classic will feature WWE's biggest names across Raw and SmackDown facing off against the brightest future Superstars from NXT. It will take place on Monday, December 14. Members of Club WWE will vote in real time for their favorite Superstar performance, which will lead to the awarding of the night's top honor. Fans can participate in the voting by registering for Club WWE at WWE.com/ClubWWE. The John Cena Classic will also stream live on December 14th on Netflix as a special edition of Monday Night Raw. WWE will also produce an Avengers: Doomsday edition of Worlds Collide ahead of the theatrical release of Avengers: Doomsday on December 18th. This will feature the biggest Superstars from WWE, NXT and AAA on Tuesday, December 15. These events will be accompanied by a two-day immersive fan event called WWE. This will be staged by WWE and Fanatics and take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This will include merchandise along with photo/autograph opportunities with WWE Superstars. WWE will also produce and sell Avengers: Doomsday co-branded products, including title belts, at WWE World, WWEShop.com, and also at select Disney retail stores. For those wanting to attend this event, two-day combo tickets go on sale on Friday, November 13th at 10:00 AM ET at Ticketmaster.com. General presale for combo tickets will begin on Thursday, November 12th at 10:00 AM ET. To receive general information, fans can register at wwe.com/CenaClassic. Disney shared that there will be more details about the event and fan experience coming in the coming weeks leading up to the event.