In a recent development, it was announced that WWE will be merging with UFC parent company Endeavor Group, with the two coming together to become a ‘21 billion powerhouse’.
The worlds of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts collided on Monday with the official announcement of a blockbuster merger between WWE and UFC parent company Endeavor Group Holdings.
The new public entity will be run by Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and will be valued at an eye-watering $21 billion. Vince McMahon will take on the role of executive chair of the board, while WWE will control 49% of the company with Endeavor controlling the remaining 51%.
With the wrestling world proving to be one of the most reliable ratings draws in an era of fragmentation, the sport will now be under the same roof as mixed martial arts outfit UFC, which is a potent draw among young male fans.
The deal puts a hefty valuation on UFC, which Endeavor and its backers purchased for about $4 billion in 2016, and WWE, which was seeking about $9 billion in a deal. The all-stock deal values UFC at $12.1 billion and WWE at $9.3 billion.
With the world of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts coming together, fans will be eager to see how this new era of combat sports will unfold.
The Facts of the Matter
The wrestling world has been rocked by the news of a blockbuster merger between World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and UFC’s parent company, Endeavor Group.
In a press release, the companies announced that a new publicly traded company would be formed, controlled by Endeavor with a 51% stake, and WWE shareholders with the remaining 49%. The deal values WWE at a whopping $9.3 billion, while UFC comes in at an impressive $12.1 billion.
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Reins of WWE Will Be held by These People
The deal puts a hefty valuation on the UFC, which was bought by Endeavor and its backers for about $4 billion in 2016. Ari Emanuel, who is already Endeavor CEO, will act as chief executive of both Endeavor and the new company. Vince McMahon will be the executive chairman, with Dana White remaining as president of UFC, and Nick Khan staying on as president of WWE.
What WWE-Endeavor Merger Means?
For the wrestling circuit, the move will create a global live sports and entertainment pureplay that’s built for where the industry is headed. With the wrestling world proving to be one of the most reliable ratings draws in an era of fragmentation, the sport will now be under the same roof as mixed martial arts outfit UFC, which is a potent draw among young male fans.
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Vince McMahon Issues Statement
Vince McMahon, the man behind World Wrestling Entertainment, issued a statement regarding the merger.
“Given the incredible work that Ari and Endeavor have done to grow the UFC brand – nearly doubling its revenue over the past seven years – and the immense success we’ve already had in partnering with their team on a number of ventures, I believe that this is without a doubt the best outcome for our shareholders and other stakeholders,” the statement read.
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) April 3, 2023
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WWE – Ownership and Saudi Connection
Ownership of WWE has changed hands several times throughout its history. In the early years, it was owned and operated by the McMahon family, with Vincent J. McMahon taking over the company from his father-in-law Jess McMahon.
In recent years, WWE has become embroiled in controversy over its relationship with Saudi Arabia.
In 2018, the company signed a 10-year deal with the Saudi Arabian government to hold several events in the country. However, the deal has been criticized by human rights activists who point to Saudi Arabia’s poor record on human rights, particularly its treatment of women and LGBTQ+ individuals
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