What is TKO? The UFC and WWE merger explained

Two of the biggest forces in the world of combat sports, WWE and UFC, have merged to give birth to TKO Group Holdings. In September 2023, the company officially went public on the New York Stock Exchange to mark the beginning of what could be a glorious chapter in the existence of both entities.

3 things you need to know

• WWE and UFC have merged to form new company TKO Group Holdings
• Endeavor will hold 51% shares of the new company
• TKO's CEO will be Endeavor's Ari Emanuel

TKO Group Holdings share decision

The shareholding of TKO Group Holdings will be divided as such: Endevor the parent company of UFC will own 51% of the new company, whereas WWE shareholders will have 49% of the stakes. According to reports, TKO has a valuation of $21.4 billion.

Also Read | TKO Group, which houses WWE and UFC, begins trading on the New York Stock Exchange

Change in Designation 

Former WWE controlling shareholder and chairman Vince McMahon will serve as executive chairman of TKO, with WWE president Nick Khan also serving on the board." Dana White, the previous UFC president, has been promoted to UFC CEO. TKO's CEO will be Endeavor's Ari Emanuel, while the new company's president and chief operating officer will be Endeavor's Mark Shapiro.

Also Read | Who is Puja Tomar? The first-ever female Indian fighter in UFC

What the merger will mean for the fighters?

Several big-name stars and former WWE champions have competed in the UFC, most notably Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar. According to Nick Khan, the recent merging of the two firms may make that method more popular for fighters.

"UFC fighters are going to stay focused on the UFC and WWE superstars obviously do something different in our ring, but you also see in the UFC people with big personalities who, once their UFC run is done, once the UFC and the fighter says, 'Hey, maybe now's the time to call it a day,' could those people have a longer life at WWE, an extended life with TKO? We think so."