TKO Group, the parent company of UFC and WWE, announced a major increase to its shareholder dividend, doubling the payout in the wake of blockbuster broadcasting agreements. Investors will receive 76 cents per share on September 30, reflecting a 100% boost from the prior dividend.
Major Rights Agreements Drive Move
In August, UFC secured a landmark seven-year media rights partnership valued at $7.7 billion with Paramount, marking the entertainment giant’s first significant step since combining forces with Skydance. Around the same time, WWE inked a separate five-year, $1.6 billion deal with ESPN to air its premium live programming.
Market Reaction
Shares of TKO rose on the announcement, climbing about 1% to trade at $187. The dividend will be distributed to Class A common shareholders on record as of September 15, with the overall payout totaling roughly $150 million.
