WWE-UFC Merger Expected To Be Completed In September, Cuts Already Planned

The anticipated merger of WWE and UFC under TKO Group Holdings is expected to be completed in mid to late September, it was revealed within Endeavor's Q2 2023 financial results. 

Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel said: "We delivered solid results this quarter at Endeavor and are closing in on the launch of TKO Group Holdings. Our share repurchase plan and dividend payment initiatives will begin in the third quarter, and we remain focused on maintaining prudent capital allocation and delivering long-term sustainable growth for the company."

Cuts look to be on the way within WWE and UFC, though, and Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics reported that Emanuel stated on the call that "plans are underway to make cost savings and synergies happen immediately" after the merger is completed. Nick Khan stated earlier this year that any cuts wouldn't affect the company's TV product, suggesting talent releases aren't planned.  

WWE's sale to Endeavor was announced back on Monday, April 3 on the morning after WrestleMania 39. WWE and UFC will merge under the TKO Group Holdings parent company, with Ari Emanuel as CEO of the new organisation. Vince McMahon will be Executive Chairman of TKO Group Holdings, while Nick Khan will become WWE President. 

The WWE-UFC merger was agreed after Vince McMahon forced his way back into WWE in January 2023 and put the company up for sale. There was plenty of interest in purchasing WWE right until the deal with Endeavor was agreed, with one rival bidder known to have been Liberty Media, the owners of Formula One.