A sports entertainment juggernaut valued at over $21B will be created due to the WWE-UFC merger.
Concerns about the merger among wrestling fans include the prospect of a return to the pay-per-view model for WWE's signature event, WrestleMania.
WWE shares have seen a significant boost of over 50% this year following the announcement of a new deal in April, reaching their highest point in four years.
- The WrestleMania streaming rights that are part of the WWE's exclusive streaming agreement with Peacock, the streaming service of NBCUniversal, are scheduled to expire in 2026.
- Along with Endeavour (who owns UFC) CEO Ari Emanuel, WWE CEO Vince McMahon will serve as executive chairman of the merged business, which has yet to be given a name.
- Some fans are concerned about the shift in the company, speculating whether McMahon will still have control over the creative decisions, which could turn off parts of their fanbase.
