Forbes, which is one of the most respected and reputed news organizations in the world, has released the valuation and earnings for the year 2023 for both WWE and AEW. This data was highly anticipated, and this was the data that would determine if there are two genuine wrestling promotions or if there is only one big player. WWE and AEW fans are celebrating this milestone for their companies, but they have to get better. Professional wrestling is hitting its peak.
WWE
WWE has a valuation of around $6.8 billion. This is a very good valuation because WWE has been steadily growing year after year. They were bought by Endeavor at a valuation of $9 billion. WWE is in a sweet spot because it is seeing its best period in more than 20 years. WWE is seeing sold-out shows every week, with more than 10,000 fans attending every TV show. WWE has sold all three brands' rights for a lot of money. Netflix has secured the rights to Raw for a staggering $5 billion for 10 years, meaning $500 million per year. USA Network has the rights to SmackDown for $1.4 billion, and NXT is on the CW Network for $35 million per year. WWE had yearly earnings of $1.33 billion in 2023, which is one of the highest yearly earnings in its history. The year 2024 could well be the first year WWE has a yearly earnings of $1.5 billion. The top three draws for WWE were Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Rhea Ripley for the year 2023.
AEW
The valuation of AEW has come as a surprise to a lot of fans. The valuation of AEW is $2 billion, which makes it the second most valuable wrestling promotion and the third most valuable combat sports promotion in the world. AEW had yearly earnings of $250 million in 2023. AEW has its TV rights deals coming up, and it is expected that Warner Brothers will renew their deal and give a rights increase to the company. The company's spending on free agents was more than expected, and as a result, they have had to release talents. AEW will look to have its first profitable year in 2024 and cross the $300 million earnings mark. The top 3 draws for AEW are The Young Bucks, Jon Moxley, and Kenny Omega. AEW will look to secure a $1 billion TV rights deal with Warner Brothers.
