WWE Could Pursue Combined Streaming Deal With UFC

WWE and UFC may well work together to pursue a combined streaming deal when the two properties merge under one company. 

It was announced on Monday, April 3 that WWE had been sold to Endeavor. The pro wrestling promotion will merge with Endeavor's other major property, UFC, under a new parent company later this year. 

The sale of WWE comes at a time when the organisation is looking to renegotiate its TV rights deals with NBCUniversal and FOX as they are due to expire in 2024.

Speaking with Axios about the situation, Nick Khan noted that WWE and UFC will pursue separate TV deals, noting that WWE will speak with NBC and FOX as they have the right of first refusal. 

Khan said: "[W]e're going to see what that looks like and hopefully it's robust, and we don't get out of the 'right of first window,' and we strike a deal with each of 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 in our shareholders."

That might not be the case for a future streaming arrangement, though, and Nick Khan told Axios that WWE and UFC could pursue a combined deal. WWE's current streaming deal with Peacock in the United States runs until 2026, while UFC's media deal with ESPN and ESPN+ expires in 2025. 

Khan added: "The good folks at NBCU have been tremendous partners to us. So let's see what they have to say."