UFC Owner Endeavor to Merge With WWE

    Photo: The Athletic

    The Facts

    • Endeavor Group, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), announced Monday it will merge with World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE), ending a months-long process headed by WWE co-founder and executive chairman Vince McMahon.

    • McMahon will remain executive chairman of the new company, but Endeavor will own 51% of the business, meaning for the first time since the organization’s founding in 1953, the McMahon family will not control WWE.


    The Spin

    Narrative A

    This deal is a win-win and marks a triumphant return by McMahon, who rescued WWE from slightly rocky ground and made it part of the most significant sports-entertainment organization in the world. There’s no telling how far the WWE-Endeavor partnership may go.

    Narrative B

    While the outcome of this merger remains to be seen, it's likely a poor decision: It opens the door to WWE changing drastically from its origins, offering fans a watered-down version of its product that reflects the new company behind it, rather than its authentic purpose. To its fanbase, this simply won't feel right.


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