WWE fans are feeling the pinch as ticket prices for live events have skyrocketed in 2025, with average costs for Raw and SmackDown nearly doubling since the company’s merger with UFC under TKO Group Holdings. As criticism mounts from fans and former talent alike, WWE President Nick Khan has finally spoken out, defending the price hikes as a calculated move to align with market trends and maximize revenue.
Ticket Prices Double Amid TKO Merger
Data from Wrestlenomics and multiple industry sources confirm what many fans have suspected: attending a WWE live event is now significantly more expensive than it was just a few years ago. In 2023, the average ticket for a North American TV event like Raw or SmackDown cost around $75. By 2025, that figure has jumped to $118 a 57% increase in just two years. Premium packages for WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas are reportedly reaching as high as $38,000 for a two-night experience, a price point that has left many longtime fans stunned.
The surge in pricing coincides with WWE’s merger with UFC under the TKO Group Holdings umbrella, a move that has brought new leadership and a fresh approach to monetization. While other major sports leagues like the NFL have seen ticket prices dip, and the NBA’s prices have risen by 21%, WWE’s increase far outpaces both.
Khan: “We’ve Increased Prices Appropriately”
In a recent statement, WWE President Nick Khan addressed the controversy head-on. “We’ve increased prices appropriately with the marketplace,” Khan said, referring to premium live events (PLEs), Raw, SmackDown, Saturday Night’s Main Event, and other live shows. “Our goal is to ensure that WWE remains competitive and continues to deliver world-class entertainment, and that includes adjusting our pricing to reflect the value we provide.”
Khan’s comments echo those of TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro, who previously noted that WWE was still behind the UFC in ticket revenue and hinted that further increases could be on the horizon. “WWE was never focused on maximizing profit under Vince McMahon,” Shapiro said. “Now, we’re looking at the bigger picture and making sure we’re getting the most out of our live events.”
Fan Backlash and Former Talent Criticism
The price hikes have sparked a wave of backlash from fans and former WWE talent. Many argue that the once family-friendly spectacle has become unaffordable for the average household. On TMZ’s Inside the Ring, former wrestler Maven Huffman was particularly vocal, accusing WWE of abandoning its working-class roots.
“You can say what you want about Vince McMahon Vince knew that the everyday family was where his bread was buttered,” Maven said. “He knew that in order to create generational fans, he was going to have to make his product accessible. I remember going to my first show when I was seven. My dad spent about $300 for the whole family—tickets, parking, food, everything. Now you’re not even getting one good ticket for that.”
Maven’s sentiment is echoed by many longtime fans who feel priced out of the live event experience. “It’s not just about the tickets,” said one fan on social media. “It’s about the parking, the food, the merchandise. It’s becoming a luxury, not a night out for the family.”
Attendance Still Strong, But Concerns Linger
Despite the criticism, WWE’s live event attendance remains strong. According to WrestlTix, the average number of tickets distributed for WWE events rose from 9,900 in 2023 to 11,000 in 2024, and has climbed again to 11,500 in 2025. However, some events, like Saturday Night’s Main Event, have struggled to sell out, raising concerns about the long-term impact of the pricing strategy.
“WWE is still hugely successful, particularly when it comes to stock prices and overall revenue,” said a WWE insider who spoke on condition of anonymity. “But there’s definitely a sense of unease among some of the older fans. They’re worried that the company is losing touch with its roots.”
The Broader Trend in Sports and Entertainment
WWE is not alone in raising ticket prices. As Maven pointed out, other major sports leagues and entertainment venues have also seen significant increases. “Wrestling isn’t the only one doing it,” he said. “Football, baseball, basketball—they’re all pricing out families and focusing on corporate clients. It’s sad, but it’s the reality of the market.”
The insider added that WWE’s strategy is part of a broader trend in the entertainment industry. “The focus is on maximizing profit, and that often means targeting higher-income fans and corporate sponsors,” the source said. “It’s not just about filling seats anymore; it’s about filling them with the right people.”
What’s Next for WWE?
As WWE continues to navigate the post-merger landscape, the question remains: how will the company balance profitability with fan accessibility? Khan’s comments suggest that further price increases are likely, at least in the short term. But with fan backlash growing and some events struggling to sell out, WWE may need to find a way to reconnect with its core audience.
“WWE has always been about the fans,” the insider said. “But right now, there’s a disconnect. The company needs to find a way to keep the lights on financially without alienating the people who made it what it is.”
For now, the debate over WWE ticket prices is far from over. As the company looks to the future, it will need to strike a delicate balance between profit and accessibility one that could shape the direction of professional wrestling for years to come.