The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that Bushiroad, the parent company of NJPW and STARDOM, has posted its 2023 Q4 earnings report, with sports revenue taking a major blow.
Bushiroad’s sports revenue was down from Q4 2022, partially due to fewer STARDOM events. Between NJPW and STARDOM, Bushiroad fetched in 1.367 million yen ($9.1 million).
It is to be noted that Q4 is usually lower for Bushiroad, as the bigger shows happen earlier in the year.
The total revenue for Bushiroad was 10,554,000 yen ($70 million), with wrestling making up 13% of that figure.
Sports business was down 10.7% from Q3 and down 14.9% from the year before. The losses increased from $300,000 to $800,000.
From July to December, the overall revenue was down 3.9% from the previous year.
Bushiroad, the parent company of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and STARDOM, recently released its 2023 Q4 earnings report, revealing a significant decline in sports revenue. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including a decrease in the number of STARDOM events.
During Q4 2023, Bushiroad’s sports revenue amounted to 1.367 million yen ($9.1 million), which is lower than the previous year’s Q4 earnings. It is important to note that Q4 typically experiences lower revenue for Bushiroad, as the company tends to hold its major shows earlier in the year.
In terms of overall revenue, Bushiroad generated a total of 10,554,000 yen ($70 million), with wrestling accounting for approximately 13% of this figure. However, the sports business suffered a decline of 10.7% compared to Q3 and a 14.9% decrease compared to the previous year. This resulted in increased losses, rising from $300,000 to $800,000.
Analyzing the revenue from July to December, it is evident that the company experienced a 3.9% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. This decline may raise concerns for Bushiroad and its stakeholders.
The decline in sports revenue can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the wrestling industry, leading to restrictions on live events and reduced fan attendance. These limitations have undoubtedly affected ticket sales and merchandise revenue.
Furthermore, the decrease in STARDOM events also played a role in the decline of sports revenue. STARDOM is a women’s professional wrestling promotion owned by Bushiroad, and fewer events during Q4 would naturally result in lower earnings.
Despite these challenges, it is worth noting that Bushiroad’s overall revenue remains substantial, reaching $70 million. The company’s diverse portfolio, which includes trading card games, live events, and music production, helps mitigate the impact of declining sports revenue.
Moving forward, Bushiroad may need to strategize and adapt to the changing landscape of the wrestling industry. This could involve exploring alternative revenue streams, such as expanding their digital presence through online streaming platforms or investing in new ventures.
Additionally, as the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, it is expected that live events and fan attendance will increase. This could potentially lead to a resurgence in sports revenue for Bushiroad.
In conclusion, Bushiroad’s 2023 Q4 earnings report indicates a decline in sports revenue, primarily due to fewer STARDOM events and ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the company’s overall revenue remains substantial, and with strategic adjustments and a recovering industry, Bushiroad can navigate these challenges and continue to thrive in the world of professional wrestling.