WWE paid talent 15% of 2022 revenue, projected to remain near that level through 2028

New documents released in the ongoing WWE shareholder lawsuit — obtained via FOIA and reported by Brandon Thurston of Post Wrestling — show WWE spent roughly $195 million of its $1.29 billion 2022 revenue on talent, or about 15%. Forward-looking slides in the discovery material project talent compensation to remain around 15% of company revenue through 2028, a figure comparable to recent UFC disclosures placing fighter pay around 16–20% of revenue.

The exhibits also detail contract renewals and category projections, noting combined renewals of $15 million for names including Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt, Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes and Braun Strowman, a $4 million renewal for Brock Lesnar, and $2 million in step-up renewals for Bianca Belair, the Street Profits, Gable Steveson, Rhea Ripley, Asuka and Baron Corbin; some listed talent have since departed. WWE continues to classify talent as independent contractors who may cover travel costs, while 2023 projections showed main roster talent costs at $195 million for roughly 130 performers, developmental at $16 million, and a trimmed celebrity category as Logan Paul’s deal moved to the main roster.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-paid-talent-15-of-total-2022-revenue-once-projected-to-stay-at-that-level-through-2028/.