TKO Group COO hints at ‘short-term deal’ to unify WWE and UFC media rights after historic merger

TKO Group Holdings COO Tim Shapiro spoke about a new advancement in which UFC and WWE could share a new media network in light of their latest merger.

TKO Group COO hints at ‘short-term deal’ to unify WWE and UFC media rights after historic merger

Dana White and Vince McMahon(Image courtesy: IMAGO)

After their latest merger, UFC and WWE created the biggest headline in combat sports. This deal led to the creation of TKO Group Holdings. The future looks bright for both organizations. Their combined strength could bring a movement in the combat industry. Further, the competitors and fans will anticipate their next moves under the TKO Group. TKO Group COO Mark Shapiro recently hinted about a future move for both organizations.

In an interview with “The Town with Mathew Belloni,” Shapiro said, “There could be a short-term deal we do just to align the two. It all depends on market dynamics and right now, time is on our side. We’re not rushing to do a deal.” This could change a lot of things for both organizations.

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Further in that interview, Shapiro emphasized that both companies could still have separate media contracts. Later, he directed towards some possibilities that could take place regarding the media deal. Shapiro is reportedly negotiating with major platforms for the WWE. The wrestling organization’s contract expiry has led to this move. Reportedly, the current media deal is set to expire in October 2024.

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Previously, WWE president Nick Khan also hinted at new possibilities for WWE regarding their current media deal. This merger has already started making moves as both organizations have made their advancements. This deal could leave out a lot of possibilities for the involvement of thriving athletes in combat sports.

Related: “It doesn’t matter!” Days after $21 billion merger, UFC fighter channels inner Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and gives fans taste of WWE

UFC-WWE merger leads to layoff of over 100 employees

The advancements in the UFC-WWE merger have already come into action. The new merger has started changing as WWE reportedly laid off more than 100 employees. Endeavor CEO Ari Emmanuel, after buying a 51% stake in the company, directed towards optimizing the organization’s resources. Further, the plan was to lead towards more savings by making massive pay cuts.

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Vince McMahon(Image courtesy: Business Tdoay)

Reports suggested that over 100 employees were axed from their jobs. A big name among those was the widow of WWE Hall of Famer “The Ultimate Warrior” Dana Warrior. This shows more possibilities of such moves from companies. Back in 2016, UFC was the one who took massive cuts and performed layoffs. This happened before the Endeavor group intervened in the combat promotion company.

However, top officials from the wrestling company received huge bonuses following the merger. In the coming days, many possibilities arise for the future of WWE. Emmanuel’s statement keeps the door open for such pay cuts.

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