The merger between UFC and WWE under TKO Group Holdings might lead to combined event weekends in the same city and arena, but crossover between performers in each brand during their active careers is less likely, according to WWE president Nick Khan.
TKO Group Holdings, the newly merged company between UFC and WWE, presents almost limitless possibilities. There’s talk of massive event weekends in the same city and arena, and other exciting developments. WWE president Nick Khan revealed that discussions are already in progress for the professional wrestling outfit and the UFC to potentially collaborate. The two entities, once competitors vying for the same demographic in terms of fans, will now work together. The collaboration could eventually lead to shared productions over an entire weekend of events.
Nick Khan discussed the ongoing conversations on The Bill Simmons podcast, stating that the process was just beginning. He mentioned the important first steps in the process, which included securing all regulatory approvals from the Department of Justice, the SEC, and necessary international authorities. With all approvals obtained, they’re now in the negotiation stage. Khan emphasized the potential for a comprehensive TKO weekend, which could feature Smackdown on Friday, UFC on Saturday for a pay-per-view, and WWE on Sunday for a premium live event, all in the same city. He noted the potential for cost and revenue efficiency in this plan.
Throughout the year, there have been numerous instances where UFC and WWE were essentially providing alternative programming against each other on the same nights, especially on Saturdays featuring live Fight Night cards or pay-per-views from UFC and premium cards like WrestleMania or the Royal Rumble from WWE. However, with the companies now joined, Khan hinted at the shared vision and cooperation between UFC and WWE.
Even though UFC and WWE are now operating under a shared management and bigger event weekends are a possibility, Khan expressed skepticism about potential crossover among the performers in each brand during their active careers. He did propose, though, that a retired UFC fighter might potentially find a second career in WWE. For the time being, UFC will carry on promoting live events, while WWE sticks to scripted athletic drama. Broadcast rights fees will also form a significant part of the merger negotiations between UFC and WWE, with current deals for both set to expire within the next few years.