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52 SPORTS AWEMainta Diabierna, 29 September 2023
The Merged WWE and UFC Entity Sets
its Sights Beyond Combat Sports
TKO, the newly amalgamated entity
born from the union of Ultimate
Fighting Championship (UFC) and
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE),
is charting an ambitious course beyond
the confines of combat sports.
This momentous merger, initially
announced in April, culminated with
TKO’s debut on the New York Stock
Exchange. The resulting entity, TKO,
now sees a majority ownership of 51%
by Endeavor Group Holdings, a corpo-
rate titan boasting assets including UFC
and Hollywood talent agency WME. The
remaining 49% remains in the hands
of WWE shareholders. Notably, TKO’s
stock marked a 2.4% increase on its and the Miami Open. This strategic running the company.” While McMahon
inaugural trading day. “flywheel” leverages Endeavor’s role continues to play an integral role with
in representing professional athletes his wealth of experience and influence,
Mark Shapiro, TKO’s President and through WME, its prowess in media the CEO position is firmly entrusted
Chief Operating Officer, outlined the rights negotiations, product licensing, to Ari. This clarification comes amidst
company’s immediate objectives. The and enhancing live events to maximize McMahon’s illustrious tenure, both as
initial 18 months will be dedicated venue revenues. Shapiro also envisions a WWE persona and behind the scenes,
to seamlessly integrating UFC and the potential for direct-to-consumer spanning over four decades. Notably,
WWE. This encompasses collaborative offerings—a yet-to-be-explored fron- McMahon has recently faced legal
endeavors, such as pursuing interna- tier. scrutiny, with federal law enforcement
tional media rights and harmonizing agents serving him a subpoena linked
production efforts and administrative While WWE’s streaming agreement to allegations of sexual misconduct;
functions. with NBCUniversal’s Peacock extends however, no charges have been filed in
until 2026, Shapiro disclosed that the ongoing investigation.
However, TKO’s vision extends far other streaming platforms have already
beyond this integration phase. Shapiro expressed interest in bidding for the Shapiro underscored Emanuel’s proven
revealed the company’s plans to venture rights when the current deal expires. ability to effectively lead a company
into acquisitions, seeking to broaden In the near term, TKO executives alongside a sports league co-founder
its portfolio. He affirmed, “We will ulti- will engage in negotiations for new known for their strong personality and
mately explore the market for other media agreements for WWE’s flagship past controversies. Dana White, UFC’s
sports properties that we can incor- programs, “Raw” and “SmackDown,” president, has navigated personal
porate into the Endeavor-enhanced presently held by NBCUniversal and controversies while retaining his role
flywheel.” Additionally, TKO is eager to Fox. with unwavering confidence.
explore international expansion oppor-
tunities. At the helm of TKO stands Vince As TKO emerges on the sports and
McMahon, the venerable execu- entertainment landscape, it marks a
Endeavor’s diversified portfolio encom- tive chairman, with Ari Emanuel pivotal moment, as this powerhouse
passes assets like Professional Bull serving as the CEO. Shapiro empha- sets forth to redefine the landscape,
Riders and prestigious tennis tour- sized the distinct leadership roles, transcending the boundaries of combat
naments—the Mutua Madrid Open stating unequivocally, “Ari Emanuel is sports.
