UFC, sports give Endeavor big boost in 2022

Endeavor’s owned sports properties segment has been a workhorse for the UFC and WME parent company.

The global sports and entertainment giant reported $5.27 billion in full-year revenue, up from the $5.08 billion it reported the year prior, with its owned properties segment bringing in $1.33 billion — up 20% from $1.11 billion in 2021.

The growth is partially attributed to “increased media rights fees at UFC, as well as greater sponsorship, licensing, commercial PPV, and event-related revenue from more UFC events with live audiences.” UFC enjoyed record sponsorship sales volume and 21 consecutive sellouts during the year.

Revenue for Endeavor’s events, experiences, and rights segment reached $2.5 billion for the year, driven by experiences including the Miami Open, Super Bowl LVI, and NCAA March Madness.

Its representation segment for the full year fell nearly 23% in revenue to $1.5 billion, while net income reached $321.7 million. 

Endeavor posted a fourth-quarter net loss of $225.7 million and a 16% decline in fourth-quarter revenue to $1.26 billion, attributed to the sale of its content business in January 2022. Excluding Endeavor content, revenue would have reportedly increased 7% for the quarter.

In the three months ending Dec. 31, Endeavor reported a 9% increase in revenue for its owned sports properties segment to $301.4 million.

Endeavor anticipates 2023 revenue to fall between $5.83 billion and $5.98 billion.