During today’s TKO earnings call, TKO President Mark Shapiro explained the reason behind running two nights of SummerSlam 2026 in Minnesota, TKO prioritizing profitability, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the earnings call below:
On running two nights of WWE SummerSlam 2026 in Minnesota: “The two-day show was extraordinary, backed by a sold-out corresponding WWE Fanfest, and delivered strong engagement metrics. Across TKO, we prioritize both the fan experience and improving profitability. They are not mutually exclusive, and they are not always in that order. We could have done SummerSlam on one night and likely had a higher ticket per cap, but in looking at that event, we chose two days because we thought it would be an overall fan experience, a better viewing experience on ESPN, more marketing for our brand on ESPN. We thought it was important to go back to the Midwest. Outside of Elimination Chamber in Chicago, we haven’t been doing enough of our PLEs in the Midwest. We prioritize both the fan experience and improving profitability. They are not mutually exclusive, and they are not always in that order.”
On the merger between MVP and PFL: “I would say clearly on an individual standalone basis, these promotions, both MVP and PFL, were not necessarily sustainable. Now they’ve come together and we’ll see what they can conjure up. What we know is that competition’s always made us stronger and a rising tide lifts all boats.”
TKO CFO Andrew Schleimer on WWE live event revenue: “We staged more events, more international events as well, 22 vs. 2 in the prior year quarter. This is an investment in WWE in broadening and growing the fanbase. This is deliberate, just like going back to Vegas for a second year for WrestleMania was deliberate. WrestleMania live event revenue for 2026, despite being lower than 2025, was still one of the largest box offices in the history of WWE, and we earned a meaningful financial incentive package to go back to the state of Nevada. Those economics were less than the prior year, but still beneficial to the company. We increasingly view our events, not just as live events, but as media events that drive viewership and fan engagement across social and help us monetize our most valuable assets. As long as we believe going to a certain location is going to check those boxes, we’re going to make those strategic investments in the long-term.”
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