World Series of Fighting 3 posted its attendance and gate figures for last Friday night from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
According to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, there were 2,501 in attendance to see Fitch vs. Burkman 2. for a gate of $106, 573 There were 1,107 tickets sold with 186 going unsold. There were 1,394 comps.
The gate is an improvement from the inaugural event in November at the Planet Hollywood in Vegas which only received a gate slightly over $82,000.
(H/t:Roy Englebrecht)
Payout Perspective:
In comparison to Friday’s WSOF 3 event, TUF 16 Finale held this past December at the same venue received 2,500 (likely the max capacity) but with a gate of $318,525. There are obvious differences between the WSOF’s product and the UFC but its an interesting comparison to see that the UFC can earn three times as much as WSOF in the same venue. For WSOF, the fighter payroll of $200,000 exceeded the gate.
Baby steps. Build a fanbase, show them you can put on good cards, and the money will follow
The ultimate model is the NFL where all costs are covered by TV revenue, before any sponsor dollars or ticket sales. UFC is at that place with Fox $90 million for 16 cards/yr ($5+ million per card for non-PPV which yes does include all shoulder programming. I do not know what WSOF gets from NBC, but they seem to be happy as they committed to 6 cards/yr and just committed to WSOF5 (AC, likely the Revel) for September. 2,500 seat venues seem appropriate although giving away more tickets than you sell (too get a good looking crowd for TV) is something that they need to work on and hopefully will come. I agree with Chris that these are babysteps but the future seems reasonably bright.
Do we know what they are making from their TV deal?
Nothing disclosed re monetary terms. It paid for the first event in November and then NBCSN signed WSOF to a 3 year deal.