Big news the WWE mereger with UFC. The sports and entertainment industry has been shaken to its core with the recent news of WWE’s sale to Endeavor and subsequent merger with UFC. This groundbreaking move is set to create a new publicly traded company that will revolutionize the industry as we know it. In this article, we will delve deeper into the details of this historic merger and what it means for the future of WWE, UFC, and the sports and entertainment industry at large.
The Merger of WWE and UFC in detail
The Press Release
The official press release from WWE and Endeavor confirmed that they have signed a definitive agreement to form a new publicly traded company consisting of two iconic complementary global sports and entertainment brands, UFC and WWE. Upon close, Endeavor will hold a 51% controlling interest in the new company, and existing WWE shareholders will hold a 49% interest. The merger will give UFC and WWE a global reach, impressive scale, and omnichannel distribution solutions.
Revenue and Growth
On a combined 2022 fiscal year basis, UFC and WWE achieved a revenue of 2.4 billion and a 10% annual revenue growth rate since 2019. This is an impressive feat that showcases the power of these two brands.
New Leadership Role
In terms of leadership, Vince McMahon will remain in his role as executive chairman of the board. The new company will be led by Emmanuel Chief Executive Officer, who will also continue his role as Chief Executive Officer of Endeavor. McMahon will be joined by Mark Shapiro, who will be president and Chief Operating Officer of both Endeavor and the new company. Dana White will continue in his role as president of UFC, and Nick Khan will serve as president of WWE. The board of directors will consist of 11 members who will be appointed at a later date, six of whom will be appointed by Endeavor, and five of whom by WWE.
The Implications of the Merger
A New Era for Sports and Entertainment
This merger marks the beginning of a new era for sports and entertainment. The combined power of UFC and WWE will create a brand new company that has the potential to dominate the industry. The global reach, impressive scale, and omnichannel distribution solutions will allow the new company to connect with fans like never before. This will provide an opportunity for new talent to emerge and create a new wave of stars that can capture the hearts and minds of fans around the world.
Concerns for Fans
However, some fans may have concerns about the future of WWE under the new leadership. With Vince McMahon remaining in his role as executive chairman of the board, some worry that he may become more hands-on with WWE creative. McMahon addressed this concern during an interview with CNBC, stating that he will be involved at a higher level but not in the weeds, clearly meaning the day-to-day creative of WWE TV.
The Future of Triple H
Fans of WWE will also be pleased to know that Triple H will remain as Chief Content Officer, according to John Pollock on Twitter from Post Wrestling. This is a relief for many fans, as Triple H has been instrumental in the success of WWE in recent years.
The Potential Return of Stephanie McMahon
WWE CEO Nick Khan revealed during an interview at CNBC that he would love Stephanie McMahon to return to the company. Stephanie took a step back from WWE a number of months ago, but this doesn’t mean that the door isn’t open for a potential return. Stephanie is immensely popular backstage, so the idea of her returning to a backstage role would be universally welcomed.
How much did Endeavor pay for UFC?
Endeavor acquired WWE for a deal valuing $9.3 billion.
Total combine worth of WWE and UFC
UFC and WWE will indeed combine to create a new sports entertainment company valued at $21.4 billion. The two iconic brands will merge to form a new publicly traded company under the ownership of Endeavor Group Holdings Inc.
Conclusion
The UFC merger with WWE marks an exciting new chapter for sports and entertainment. The combined power of these two iconic brands has the potential to revolutionize the industry