X

WWE Rumors: UFC Parent Company Endeavor in Talks to Buy Vince McMahon's Promotion

Doric SamApril 2, 2023

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 08:  WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon speaks at a news conference announcing the WWE Network at the 2014 International CES at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on January 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The network will launch on February 24, 2014 as the first-ever 24/7 streaming network, offering both scheduled programs and video on demand. The USD 9.99 per month subscription will include access to all 12 live WWE pay-per-view events each year. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 10 and is expected to feature 3,200 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to about 150,000 attendees.  (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

In the midst of WrestleMania 39 weekend, WWE is reportedly on the verge of making a monumental move.

According to Alex Sherman of CNBC, the Vince McMahon-led company is engaged in "advanced talks" to be sold to Endeavor Group, which is the parent company to UFC and led by Ari Emanuel. Sherman noted that "a deal could be announced as soon as Monday."

As part of the potential agreement, the UFC and WWE reportedly would likely "form a new publicly traded company." Sources told Sherman that Endeavor would take over 51 percent of WWE, with Emanuel expected to act as chief executive of the new company as well as Endeavor.

WWE shareholders would maintain 49 percent of the company, and McMahon reportedly "is expected to be executive chairman." Nick Khan, who is CEO of WWE, "will serve as president of the wrestling business."

After retiring from his role as WWE Chairman last July following the revelations that he paid millions of dollars in hush money to settle accusations of alleged sexual misconduct, McMahon reinstated himself as executive chairman in January so he can oversee the process of the sale of the company as well as the media rights deals.

Sherman noted that WWE currently has a market value of "more than $6.79 billion," while the deal with Endeavor would give the company "an enterprise value of $9.3 billion." Emmanuel will become the first owner of the company outside of the McMahon family, as Vince's father founded the original incarnation of WWE in 1953 before selling it to his son in 1982.

Adding WWE under the Endeavor umbrella would put McMahon and UFC President Dana White in even closer contact. The two have worked together sparingly in the past, most notably in regard to Brock Lesnar's combat sports career.

Emanuel would likely be salivating at the prospect of adding another combat sports venture to his belt, as Endeavor's sports business reportedly generated $1.3 billion last year thanks to the UFC. The hope would be for WWE to do the same, as Sherman pointed out that the company generated $1.29 billion in revenue last year.


Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below.