• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

WWE Agrees to Merge With UFC Owner Endeavor

  • WWE and UFC have combined into one publicly traded company controlled by Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel.
  • WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon is expected to remain involved after deal is completed.
Vince McMahon is seeking $9 billion for WWE.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

UPDATE: World Wrestling Entertainment and UFC “have signed a definitive agreement” to form a new publicly traded company, the two companies announced Monday morning.

The announcement notes that Endeavor will hold a 51% controlling interest in the newly formed company. Existing WWE shareholders will hold a 49% interest.

The publicly traded company will be controlled by Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel. The deal values WWE at $9.3 billion, according to CNBC. 

While the transaction would require WWE shareholder approval, that shouldn’t be a significant hurdle. WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon is the promotion’s largest shareholder and holds about 80% of WWE’s voting shares. 

McMahon unexpectedly announced his retirement from WWE in July amid allegations he used the company’s money to suppress sexual misconduct and infidelity allegations. 

McMahon, who returned in January, is expected to retain his executive chairman title. UFC President Dana White has remained in charge after Endeavor purchased a controlling interest in the leading MMA promotion for $4 billion in 2018. 

“It seemed like since Vince left WWE over the summer and even before he came back, this was the inevitable outcome,“ LightShed Partners analyst Brandon Ross told Front Office Sports.

WWE CEO Nick Khan is slated to stay on as president of the wrestling side of the new company, while White will continue to run UFC. 

Suitors like Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund explored a purchase of WWE. Still, a source with knowledge of the process told FOS that Endeavor had been the favorite for several weeks. 

Messages left with WWE and Endeavor were not immediately returned. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
Jey Uso and Pat McAfee look at each other after Uso’s win Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

WWE Will Leave Peacock for ESPN 6 Months Early

Peacock’s final show will be “Clash in Paris” on Aug. 31.
Jul 19, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, UNITED STATES; Dan Ige (red gloves) fights against Patricio Pitbull (blue gloves) during UFC 318 at Smoothie King Center.

Why Paramount Overpaid for UFC Media Rights

Analysts and experts agree the deal is a huge win for UFC.

Featured Today

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
June 24, 2025

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) before game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
June 25, 2025

Rockets Get $20 Million in Wiggle Room From New VanVleet Deal

VanVleet first signed with the Rockets in 2023.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
April 20, 2025

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.
March 20, 2025

Maxx Crosby’s Agent: Edge Rushers Set to Dominate NFL’s Non-QB Market

Maxx Crosby just signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension.