• Loading stock data...
Sunday, June 1, 2025

WWE-UFC Parent Aims for Dominance Comparable to the NFL and FIFA

  • TKO Group Holdings creates single global partnerships unit.
  • Company aims to land deals that are typically attainable by the NFL, FIFA, and IOC.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The parent company of WWE and UFC is aiming to compete against the largest leagues and governing bodies anywhere, now having finished the commercial aspects of its $21.4 billion merger. 

Nearly four months after coming into existence through the UFC-WWE merger, TKO Group Holdings has taken a major step to monetize the vision of the corporate union by creating a single global partnership unit, combining sponsorship sales for both the scripted WWE pro wrestling entity and the unscripted UFC mixed martial arts promotion. 

Far from just an internal efficiency move, the restructuring is designed as positioning TKO toward landing large-scale deals that are typically the province of leading global entities such as the NFL, FIFA, and the IOC.

“Together, UFC and WWE create a sports marketing powerhouse, with hundreds of live events per year and a reach that’s equal to, or better than, the world’s biggest sports properties,” said Andrew Schleimer, TKO chief financial officer. 

Time of Transition

The creation of the single TKO sales unit represents a point of strength in what has been several months of transition surrounding TKO and its majority owner, Endeavor Group Holdings. Since the September closing of the WWE-UFC merger, Endeavor has initiated a corporate review that could lead to that company again becoming a private entity amid a largely stagnant stock, and WWE founder Vince McMahon sold nearly $642 million worth of TKO shares in November. 

Despite that, UFC and WWE continue to achieve their own successes within the TKO umbrella, including UFC finalizing plans for its first event at the Sphere in Las Vegas and striking a record-setting sponsorship deal with Bud Light, and WWE completing a rights agreement with the CW Network for its development circuit, and a separate, $1.4 billion rights pact with NBC for the U.S. rights to SmackDown.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Chiefs, Royals Stadium Plans Hit Political Wall As Both Parties Say No

Both Republicans and Democrats in Missouri oppose public funding for stadiums.
Rangers Football Club

49ers Venture Arm Buys 2nd Soccer Team With Rangers FC Deal

49ers Enterprises also owns Premier League club Leeds United.
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) scores on a pass in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium.

Why the NFL Isn’t a Sure Bet for Private-Equity Firms

Three teams have gotten PE investments since owners approved the rule change.

Featured Today

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.
May 30, 2025

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.

WNBA Championship Ring Boom: ‘Way Bigger. Way More Diamonds’

The Liberty’s WNBA championship ring value soared to $60,000.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) injures left shoulder whilte attempt to steal second base in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
May 29, 2025

Yankees-Dodgers Clash Draws TV Spotlight, Sky-High Prices

The teams’ lone regular-season series features three nationally aired games.
May 30, 2025

MSG Tickets for Potential Pacers-Knicks Game 7 Start at $1,100

The current get-in price for a potential Game 7 is $1,099.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
Sha'Carri Richardson
May 29, 2025

Sha’Carri Richardson Enters Track Start-Up Fray With Alexis Ohanian

Richardson headlines a group of “advisor owners” with equity in the league.
May 29, 2025

Panthers Clinch Stanley Cup Final Appearance, Stir Up Dynasty Talk

The Panthers clinched a third-straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
May 29, 2025

NCAA Exploring March Madness Expansion to 76 Teams in 2026

NCAA president Charlie Baker said March Madness discussions are ongoing.
Softball
May 29, 2025

MLB Makes Eight-Figure Investment in New Softball League 

Athletes Unlimited and Major League Baseball announced the deal Thursday morning.