

Earlier this year, the combat sports landscape experienced a seismic shift when the two giants, UFC and WWE, found themselves under the same banner. In April 2023, Endeavor (UFC’s parent company) acquired Vince McMahon‘s WWE to form TKO Holdings. This unexpected union sent ripples throughout the industry and fueled speculation about the future of these two powerhouse organizations.
Despite the merger, UFC, led by Dana White, and WWE have continued to function as separate entities. However, this partnership will bring long-term benefits for both sports. Moreover, recent developments suggest that new and unexpected changes may be on the horizon.
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Is Endeavor going to sell WWE and UFC?
According to NYPost, Ari Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor, has made a significant decision that could reshape the sports landscape. Recently, Endeavor announced its intention to explore strategic alternatives. Soon, this led to fans speculating about the possibility of Endeavor selling UFC or WWE. Further, this revelation had an immediate impact, causing shares of Endeavor to surge by over 24% during midday trading.

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NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – MAY 04: UFC president Dana White hosts the UFC 288 press conference at Prudential Center on May 04, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
However, the proposed deal will not affect TKO Holdings, the conglomerate of UFC and WWE. In an official statement, Silverlake, Endeavor’s major shareholder, clarified that its flagship entities will remain integral to its operations and long-term vision.
“Silver Lake firmly believes in Endeavor’s business and is not interested in selling its shares in Endeavor to a third-party nor in entertaining bids for assets that are a part of Endeavor,” Silver Lake said. Further, it is worth noting that Silver Lake owns about 71% of the voting power in Endeavor.
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WWE and UFC not valued enough?
In a recent official statement, Ari Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor, articulated his belief that the public market undervalued his company. When Endeavor first went public in 2021, its shares debuted at $27 on the New York Stock Exchange, with an issuing price of $24 per share. However, since its initial public offering, the stock price has fluctuated in the range of $20 to $23 per share.

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Moreover, the periods of trading are as low as $17 to $18 per share. Also, The CEO stressed the importance of exploring strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value in light of the prevailing gap between the company’s public market valuation and the actual worth of its assets.
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This significant development in the journey of Endeavor, WWE, and UFC signals a new chapter in the world of combat sports. As the industry evolves, fans and stakeholders will closely follow the proceedings. What are your opinions on this? Comment down below.
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