WWE has entered a new era as it undergoes a seismic shift in its ownership structure. For the first time in the company’s history, a McMahon will not hold the reins of the world’s largest professional wrestling organization. Following a massive billion dollar acquisition deal, WWE will merge with the world’s largest mixed martial arts company, marking the formation of a new publicly traded enterprise.
Endeavor, the buyer of WWE’s controlling interest, made the official announcement this morning, confirming the historic merger with UFC. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon weighed in on the sale, praising the great work of Endeavor and Ariel Emanuel while declaring the deal as the optimal outcome for investors.
The acquisition news also caught the attention of WWE’s top superstar, Roman Reigns, who shared his thoughts during the media conference after WrestleMania. Reigns asserted that the new owners of WWE would be fortunate to have him on their roster.
The sale of WWE to Endeavor will undoubtedly generate massive financial windfalls for all parties involved. While it remains to be seen how this change will impact the industry, the wheels may already be in motion.
“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.”
“Together, we will be a $21+ billion live sports and entertainment powerhouse with a collective fanbase of more than a billion people and an exciting growth opportunity. The new company will be well positioned to maximize the value of our combined media rights, enhance sponsorship monetization, develop new forms of content and pursue other strategic mergers and acquisitions to further bolster our strong stable of brands. I, along with the current WWE management team, look forward to working closely with Ari and the Endeavor and UFC teams to take the businesses to the next level.”
