UFC and WWE have merged to form TKO Group Holdings, a premium sports and entertainment company valued at $21 billion. TKO will serve over one billion fans worldwide, producing more than 350 live events annually. Read more about this groundbreaking merger.
| UFC and WWE have merged to form TKO Group Holdings, a premium sports and entertainment company valued at $21 billion.
| TKO will serve over one billion young and diverse fans, reaching viewers in 180 countries and producing more than 350 live events annually.
| TKO Group will leverage Endeavor’s expertise in areas including media rights, ticket sales, and event operations to drive revenue growth.
| Ariel Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor and TKO, and Vince McMahon, Executive Chairman of TKO, express excitement about the merger and the future growth of TKO.
| TKO Group will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "TKO."
UFC and WWE Join Forces
In a groundbreaking move, Endeavor Group Holdings has successfully closed the deal to merge the UFC and WWE, creating TKO Group Holdings, a premium sports and entertainment company. The newly formed TKO Group is valued at approximately $21 billion and is set to revolutionize the world of professional sports and entertainment.
With UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, and WWE, the recognized global leader in sports entertainment, coming together, TKO Group is poised to become a powerhouse in the industry. The company will serve over one billion young and diverse fans, reaching viewers in 180 countries and producing more than 350 live events annually.
TKO Group will leverage Endeavor’s expertise in various areas, including media rights, ticket sales, event operations, and global partnerships, to drive revenue growth and provide unparalleled experiences for fans worldwide.
Ariel Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor and TKO, expressed excitement about the merger, stating, "The creation of TKO marks an exciting new chapter for UFC and WWE as leaders in global sports and entertainment. With UFC and WWE under one roof, we will provide unrivaled experiences for more than a billion passionate fans worldwide."
Vince McMahon, Executive Chairman of TKO, emphasized the long-standing partnership between Endeavor and WWE, stating, "Given our collaborative, trusted relationship and Endeavor’s incredible track record of success growing UFC, we believe WWE is optimally positioned for future growth and success as part of TKO. Our focus remains on delivering for our fans across the globe as we take the business to the next level alongside UFC and Endeavor."
TKO Group, with Endeavor holding a 51% controlling interest and existing WWE shareholders holding a 49% interest, will begin trading today on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "TKO." The leadership team of TKO will be led by Ariel Emanuel as CEO, Mark Shapiro as President and COO, Andrew Schleimer as CFO, and Seth Krauss as Chief Legal Officer.
Dana White will serve as the CEO of UFC, and Lawrence Epstein will remain as Senior Executive Vice President and COO of UFC. Nick Khan will continue in the role of President at WWE.
The Board of Directors of TKO, led by Vince McMahon as Executive Chairman, consists of 11 members, including key figures from Endeavor, WWE, and other industry experts.
This merger between UFC and WWE marks a significant milestone in the sports and entertainment landscape, promising exciting opportunities and growth for TKO Group Holdings and its passionate fanbase.