WWE is currently under the controlling ownership of Endeavor, a prominent global talent and media company. This new ownership structure was established following a major corporate realignment in 2023.
The Formation of TKO Group Holdings
In September 2023, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to form a new publicly traded entity known as TKO Group Holdings, Inc. This significant transaction brought two of the world's most prominent sports and entertainment properties under one umbrella.
- Key Merger Details:
- Date: September 2023
- Entities Merged: WWE and UFC
- Resulting Company: TKO Group Holdings, Inc.
Endeavor's Role in Ownership
Endeavor, the parent company that previously owned UFC, played a pivotal role in orchestrating this merger. As part of the deal, Endeavor spun off UFC to merge it with WWE, forming TKO. Consequently, Endeavor maintains controlling ownership of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. This means that while WWE operates as a distinct brand and entity under the TKO umbrella, its ultimate control resides with Endeavor.
Endeavor is renowned as a vast talent agency and media company with a diverse portfolio across entertainment, sports, and fashion. Its acquisition of controlling interest in TKO positions it as a dominant force in live sports and entertainment.
Current Ownership Structure Overview
To better understand the hierarchy, here’s a simplified breakdown of the ownership structure:
| Entity | Relationship to WWE | Parent Company/Controlling Entity |
|---|---|---|
| WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) | Operates as a subsidiary brand | TKO Group Holdings, Inc. |
| UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) | Operates as a subsidiary brand | TKO Group Holdings, Inc. |
| TKO Group Holdings, Inc. | Parent company overseeing both WWE and UFC | Endeavor |
| Endeavor | Holds controlling ownership of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. | N/A (Publicly Traded Company) |
In essence, while fans experience WWE's unique brand of sports entertainment, the corporate control ultimately stems from Endeavor's significant stake in TKO Group Holdings.
