If youve been hoping WWE ticket prices would cool off, dont hold your breath. TKO President Mark Shapiro made it clear during the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference that not only are ticket costs likely to stay highthey could increase even further.
Shapiro was discussing WWEs live event pricing strategy and how the company is still not on par with UFC in terms of profitability per fan. He explained that UFC regularly breaks records for gate revenue at iconic arenas, while WWE has been slower to optimize its pricing model.
He used UFCs recent success at the United Center in Chicago as a benchmark for whats possible:
As for why WWE has lagged behind, Shapiro didnt mince words when it came to Vince McMahons past approach:
This directly contradicts a viral false report claiming WWE would reduce ticket prices once TKO paid off its debt by 2026. That claim also suggested board members were sympathetic to fan frustration but had their hands tied until debt was cleared.
Ringside News can confirm that report is completely fake. Ticket pricing has nothing to do with TKOs debt load. As Shapiro explained at the JP Morgan Conference on May 13, WWEs pricing strategy is focused on:
WWE might be hotter than ever, but that heat comes with a hefty price tagand its only getting steeper. With Mark Shapiro laying out the game plan loud and clear, fans better get used to shelling out more cash if they want to be part of the action. Gone are the days of family-friendly pricingthis is big business now, and every seat has a dollar sign on it.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
Do you think WWEs ticket strategy is fair gameor are loyal fans being priced out? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
