US wrestling promoter World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) posted an 8% increase in annual revenues in 2008, despite a 5% drop in the fourth-quarter. Total revenues for 2008 were $526.5 million.
Fourth quarter revenues in 2008 were $125.4 million, down from $132.6 in the same quarter in 2007. However fourth quarter television revenues were up 16% on the previous year, at $27.6 million, thanks in part to a deal with US broadcaster MyNetworkTV for WWE’s SmackDown franchise.
For the year, revenues from television rights were at $100.7 million, compared to $92.4 million in 2007. Television advertising revenues were at $7.4 million, up from $5.9 million. Revenues from WWE's 24/7 Classics On Demand television show were up nearly 30%, to $6.3 million. Pay-per-view revenues were down 3%, to $91.4 million.
