Reportedly, WWE will be sold to Endeavor; who also own the UFC. It seems many top WWE officials will stay, including Vince McMahon.
WWE Reportedly Being Sold To Endeavor
As WWE prepares for WrestleMania 39 Night Two, there is a much bigger story sweeping headlines. It seems a buyer is set to purchase WWE and the name is familiar.
CNBC broke the story that WWE will be sold to the Endeavor Group. For those unfamiliar with the company, they might be best known for purchasing the UFC several years back.
Also, CNBC’s Alex Sherman reports how “advanced talks” are underway and an official announcement could be made tomorrow. Therefore, tonight’s WrestleMania 39 would be the last installment of the yearly tradition where Vince McMahon owns majority control.
Scoop details: UFC and WWE are expected to form a new publicly traded company as part of the agreement.
This allows WWE to follow the Endeavor/UFC playbook, which has been very lucrative/effective. https://t.co/UP60LfmaWO
— Alex Sherman (@sherman4949) April 2, 2023
It should be noted WWE and UFC are expected to collaborate in a joint venture once the sale is finalized. Therefore, we could be seeing a crossover between the two companies.
There were several companies rumored to be interested in purchasing WWE. They included Comcast, FOX, Disney, Saudi Arabia and a few others.
Endeavor was also listed, but their bid seemed to be out the window. Obviously, things have dramatically changed.
What Does This Mean For Vince McMahon, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan?
Vince returned to WWE’s Board of Directors in January as he looked to sell the company. Remember, he retired over the summer after several hush-money settlements were made public.
While Triple H has been running WWE, some say Vince might already be back and making creative changes. Although, that has not been confirmed.
No word on how much Endeavor will be paying for WWE, but WWE was looking for $9 billion. For Endeavor, that is actually not too much money.
The belief is Endeavor will own 51% of WWE and the remainder will be retained by the shareholders.
Endeavor’s CEO Ari Emanuel is expected to become the chief executive and Vince will serve as the executive chairman. Nick Khan will become president of the new company’s wrestling branch.
It remains to be seen if Triple H will undergo a new title. Also, now word on if Stephanie McMahon will return to WWE.
The final sale was rumored for closer to late spring or summer, but clearly plans changed. If anything, at least Saudi Arabia did not end up making the purchase.
Stay tuned with Wrestle Newz tomorrow as this breaking story develops.
Fan Reactions
I think that WWE being sold to Endeavor and combined with UFC is going to make CM Punk far more interested in going back to WWE, even in a commentary role, if they let him do so.
— Greyson Peltier (@GreysonNation) April 2, 2023
Looks like Ari Emanuel and Vince McMahon is going to be a well-protected tag team together.
WWE near deal to be sold to UFC parent Endeavor, sources say https://t.co/Pu2FqkVMcm
— Corey The Truth (@CoreyTheTruth87) April 2, 2023
Are people seriously pissed about the possibility of WWE being sold to Endeavor? Out of all the places they could sell to, I think a company already invested in combat based entertainment is a great place for WWE.
— Mustache McMahon (@wrastlinstepdad) April 2, 2023
With WWE all but officially sold to Endeavor, I expect the new company will be reintroducing PPV’s for WWE given the price tag Endeavor will likely pay to buy a majority of WWE.
— Jeremy (@theblacknerdJ) April 2, 2023
