WWE in talks to merge with UFC in new publicly traded company
A tag team of epic proportions could be coming if CNBC reports are correct
The combat sports fighting league UFC and the professional wrestling company WWE are in "advanced talks" to merge as a new publicly traded company, according to CNBC. This is reportedly being orchestrated by Endeavor, the Hollywood talent agency that owns UFC and is in talks to purchase WWE.
According to CNBC's Alex Sherman, this UFC/WWE deal could be announced as soon as Monday, April 3.
Reports indicate that Endeavor isn't trying to buy all of WWE, but instead a controlling stake in the operation - a stake in which WWE's controversial leader Vince McMahon currently owns. McMahon retired from WWE in 2022 following reports that he and members of WWE staff paid several women millions of dollars to cover up alleged affairs and misconduct by the 77-year-old owner. As owner of controlling stake in the business however, he forcibly returned to the company in January 2023.
Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel is said to be expected to be CEO of both companies should this deal occur, with McMahon as executive chairman of the merged UFC/WWE. Dana White would reportedly remain as president of UFC side of the business, with WWE CEO Nick Khan as presient of the WWE side of things.