Endeavor/WWE: agreement to create a joint venture with the UFC, valued at $21.4bn

Endeavor has reached an agreement with WWE to create a publicly traded joint venture with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC, owned by Endeavor), announced the US sports and entertainment company on 03/04/2023.

The deal will value the UFC at $12.1bn (€11.1bn) and the WWE at $9.3bn (€8.5bn), for a total of $21.4bn (€19.7bn). "UFC and WWE will each contribute cash to the new company so that it holds approximately $150m (€137.7m). Endeavor will hold a 51% controlling interest in the new company and existing WWE shareholders will hold a 49% interest," explained Endeavor.

"Together, UFC and WWE will have global reach, impressive scale and omnichannel distribution. On a combined 2022 fiscal year-end basis, UFC and WWE achieved revenue of $2.4bn (€2.2bn) and a 10% annual revenue growth rate since 2019," added Endeavor.

"The board of directors will consist of 11 members, six of whom will be appointed by Endeavor and five by WWE" (Endeavor)

• "The new company will be led by Ariel Emanuel (CEO), who will also continue in his role as chief executive officer of Endeavor, Vincent McMahon…