The Endeavor Group, the parent company of UFC, announced its merger and now owns the rights to another sports entertainment company, WWE. The shocking news took the internet and became the talk of the town a day after the closure of WWE’s annual carnival, WrestleMania. While the details are still emerging, the newly joint sports giant company will combine to touch the estimated $21.4 billion evaluation.
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In addition, a new publicly traded company will emerge as a result that will hold the UFC and WWE brands. Further, Endeavor Group Holdings Inc. will assume 51% controlling shares in the company compared to existing WWE shareholders at 49%.
Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel will spearhead the new company along with Vince McMahon
The deal, announced on Monday morning, puts the evaluation of WWE at $9.3 billion and UFC at $12.1 billion. Further, Endeavor CEO Ariel Emanuel will act as the CEO of the newly formed company as well as maintain his previous post.
Similarly, Vince McMahon, who acted as WWE’s executive chairperson and played a pivotal role in the deal’s conclusion, will hold his position. Moreover, Endeavor President and COO Mark Shapiro will helm the same roles at the new company.
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 20: UFC President Dana White interacts with the media during the UFC 197 on-sale press conference event inside MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on January 20, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Interestingly, the announcement came after a couple of months when McMahon had clarified his intention to put the famed company on sale. After months of screening potential buyers, the WWE agreed to pen a deal with Endeavor Group to form the giant sports entertainment company.
Markedly, multiple superstars in the past have crossed over the two promotions. And notable names like Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar immediately pop up.
How did the UFC and MMA fans react to the recent merger?
While some fans pointed out the possibility of the rising company eclipsing other companies, others had a hilarious take on the recent development. Also, a few addressed the lingering issues that might continue to plague the newly formed company.
UFC star Conor McGregor expressed his joy by calling it a “cool Proper $12bn” deal. The Irishman called Endeavor Group a “powerhouse” as it scooped WWE.
Congrats to the @ufc now worth a cool Proper $12bn. Wow! Endeavor bout to scoop the @WWE now also. Incredible. What a powerhouse!
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 2, 2023
Cody Rhodes vs Conor McGregor to unify the WWE and UFC titles at Wrestlemania 40: https://t.co/c0vTdzd639 pic.twitter.com/hoOJnhEhYD
— Josh (@jetsfan24x7) April 2, 2023
I guess it's a good time to be in the UFC and WWE business 👀 https://t.co/DYT46wfmwX
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) April 2, 2023
Brock starting his journey to win the unified WWE titles and UFC title next year at night 2 pic.twitter.com/oMEzXWdaJh
— Keivon Jackson (@cnationmaverick) April 3, 2023
As expected, a few tweets focused on the long pending issues of fighters’ pay.
Cool, can you put on better cards than this Apex shite and pay your fighters pls?
— Jack Slack (@JackSlackMMA) April 3, 2023
The contrast between the UFC & WWE's attitudes towards spending money is hilarious. The WWE will spend ungodly amounts of money on stage design and pyrotechnics alone while the UFC will put zero effort & investment in their presentation & pay talent in garlic bread.
— Jordan Patu (@Jordan_Patu) April 3, 2023
However, a few tweets realized the potential of the newly formed company that might pull a deadly punch to American boxing.
What do you think of this upcoming giant sports entertainment company? Do you believe the newly formed company will overshadow other sports? Let us know in the comments below.
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