Fox Corp posts record Q1 revenue on World Cup and midterm ad surge
Advertising tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and U.S. midterm elections lifted Fox Corp's first‑quarter revenue 22% year‑over‑year.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Fox Corp announced on Monday that its fiscal first quarter generated $4.57 billion in revenue, a 22 percent increase from a year earlier, driven by advertising linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the U.S. midterm elections.
What happened
The company said advertising revenue rose 47 percent year‑over‑year, with political ads alone exceeding $350 million, a record for a midterm cycle, according to CEO Lachlan Murdoch. The quarter also included the World Cup final, the start of the NFL season, and the beginning of the MLB playoffs.
What the reports add
The Hollywood Reporter noted that net income reached $957 million, up from $609 million a year ago, while Variety reported net income of $943 million, or $2.20 per share, compared with $599 million, or $1.32 per share, in the prior year. Both outlets said carrier fees rose 9 percent and that the Tubi streaming service posted advertising gains.
What was said
"Political advertising has passed $350 million, a record for a midterm cycle," Murdoch told Wall Street analysts, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. In a written statement, Murdoch added, "We commenced the year with the stellar performance of the FIFA Men’s World Cup, the kickoff of the college football and NFL seasons, and an active election cycle at the national and local levels. These events supported strong contributions from across the company, reflecting the focused strategy we are executing and the strength of our content and brands," as quoted by Variety.
How it came about
Fox’s advertising boom follows a broader surge in World Cup‑related marketing, highlighted by recent coverage of McDonald’s ending its 32‑year FIFA sponsorship (Felo) and ongoing scrutiny of FIFA’s commercial activities. The company’s ability to monetize both sports and political events contrasts with many traditional media firms struggling in the streaming era.
Key facts
- Fox Corp's Q1 revenue was $4.57 billion, up 22% YoY (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Advertising revenue grew 47% YoY, with political ads exceeding $350 million (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Net income was $957 million (Hollywood Reporter) or $943 million (Variety) (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Carrier fees increased 9% and Tubi saw advertising gains (variety.com)
Where accounts differ
- Net income figure: $957 million (hollywoodreporter.com); $943 million (variety.com)
Sources
- [1] hollywoodreporter.com
- [2] variety.com
