UFC and WWE have merged under a newly formed publicly traded company that has yet to be named, which is expected to become a $21+ billion live sports and entertainment powerhouse with a collective fanbase of more than a billion people and an exciting growth opportunity.
UFC and parent company Endeavor recently purchased WWE and merged both pay-per-view giants under a newly-formed publicly traded entity. The new company is yet to be named and is expected to trade under the TKO ticker symbol in the stock market. The deal effectively created a $21.4 billion company, with the UFC valued at $12.1 billion and WWE at $9.3 billion.
When asked about the potential of crossover athletes competing in each other’s respective company, UFC President Dana White doesn’t see much room for it in the future but left the door open. He cited Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar, who both made successful transitions between WWE and UFC, but added that it would be tough for others to follow in their footsteps. However, White was impressed with Logan Paul’s wrestling skills and said that it was possible for someone as good as him to make a switch to WWE.
The acquisition of WWE by Endeavor provided added value to WWE’s business according to Vince McMahon, Executive Chairman of WWE. The deal also makes them a $21+ billion live sports and entertainment powerhouse, with a collective fan base of over a billion people, presenting an exciting growth opportunity.
However, White assures UFC and WWE fans that nothing changes in their businesses, and they will continue to operate as they do. Even though there is a possibility of crossover athletes competing in each other’s respective company, White sees it as a rare occurrence. Regardless, the merger of UFC and WWE under a newly-formed entity signals a significant shift in the pay-per-view industry, further strengthening their dominance in the sports and entertainment landscape.