LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The return of WrestleMania to Las Vegas in 2026 is already bringing another economic and tourism boost to businesses across the Valley.
The WWE posted to social media after a live announcement Saturday night.
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the 2025 event strengthened April’s visitation numbers amid an overall tourism slump. Officials projected that around 180,000 visitors brought $215 million in revenue to the Valley.
WrestleMania in Las Vegas set numerous records for WWE: more than 124,000 people attended the premium live event over two days. More than 50,000 people attended the convention, which set a record for visitors with a 21% jump, according to WWE.
Viewership also set records; the event drew 1.1 billion views across social media, the company said.
Even more people would have flocked to Las Vegas if WrestleMania wasn’t held on Easter Weekend, according to Dr. Amanda Belarmino of the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, who tracks tourism and sports tourism.
“Like the Super Bowl, we have the ability to get people that want to be here and be part of the environment, even if they’re not necessarily attending the event. There’s a potential for the WWE to grow their event and to grow their fan base in a way that they may not be able to do in other cities,” Belarmino said, noting that WWE can capitalize on available infrastructure for live events and fan experiences.
Small businesses across the Valley benefit greatly from major events like the Super Bowl and WrestleMania with a “trickle out” effect, Belarmino said.
The Future Stars of Wrestling had numerous events across the Las Vegas Valley during the week of WrestleMania; their facility was rented out for 12 live events over several days. Since the announcement of the return of WrestleMania for 2026, FSW already had five bookings for next year.
“We did so much over that five-day period. It was if you’re a wrestling fan, it was the greatest time ever,” said owner Joe DeFalco. “There are so many fans who come here that aren’t even going to WrestleMania,” he said.
DeFalco said FSW is still basking in the glow of WrestleMania’s fanfare: the upcoming 16th-anniversary event at the Silverton Casino, Sunday, has some sold-out rows.
“There has definitely been that buzz. Wrestling is definitely at a peak,“ DeFalco said.
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