The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) company has been in the spotlight recently after being taken over by Endeavor umbrella for a mammoth $9.3 billion deal. Endeavor has bought 51% of controlling shares, and it is believed that they will combine the company with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in order to raise their combined valuation to $21 billion.
The takeover of World Wrestling Entertainment has raised many eyebrows and questions about their future. Nick Khan recently addressed these questions and cleared the air regarding the WWE's future plans.
The deal stipulates that WWE will continue to run separately from UFC, but there will be crossover talent between both companies. As part of the deal, Endeavor, which now holds 51% of the controlling shares will appoint six board members, and WWE will have its own five members.
Nick Khan also cleared the air around his future and said he will become president of WWE while Dana White will continue to run UFC as president.
WWE and UFC may have a combined streaming deal after 2026
WWE's streaming deal currently is in the hands of Peacock till 2026 and UFC is bounded with ESPN+ till 2025. Nick Khan said both companies will look on to pursue a combined streaming deal after their respective ones finish.
He said,“The good folks at NBCU [Peacock’s parent company] have been tremendous partners to us. So let’s see what they have to say.”
"The most important thing is that NBC and Fox, from a WWE point of view, feel respected in the process, so we’re going to enter those conversations with them."
"If we’re not able to do that, we’ll see what the marketplace has to say and ultimately choose the right partner for the WWE audience and our shareholders." Khan concluded
The deal is in the closing stage between Endeavor and WWE with formalities only remaining. The combined company of UFC and WWE will have a new name and will see Nick Khan promoted from WWE's CEO to President.
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