Where to watch UFC and WWE after the merger? TV rights and streaming details

A major deal in the world of sports entertainment has been announced, as Endeavor, the parent company of UFC, has confirmed its acquisition of 51% of WWE.

This groundbreaking move will see the two leading entertainment companies come together under one parent company, with the formation of a new publicly traded entity as part of the agreement.

Endeavor will take ownership of the majority share of WWE, leaving the remaining portion in the hands of the sports entertainment company's shareholders. This deal, which was signed on Monday, values the entire enterprise at an impressive $9.3 billion, further solidifying the dominance of both companies in their respective fields.

However, according to WWE CEO Nick Khan, it has been suggested that WWE and UFC will separately pursue negotiations for their media rights on linear TV, and there may be a possibility for them to collaborate on a joint streaming deal in the future.

WWE's current linear TV rights deals with NBCUniversal and Fox Corp. are set to expire next year, while its streaming deal with NBCUniversal's Peacock will expire in 2026. Meanwhile, the Ultimate Fighting Championship inked a five-year TV agreement with ESPN in 2019, which was later extended until 2025. WWE CEO Nick Khan has clarified that the two companies will be pursuing their TV deals differently as they seek to explore new opportunities in the rapidly evolving media landscape. Despite this, it is still a possibility for WWE and UFC to collaborate on a joint streaming deal as they look to expand their reach and attract a wider audience.

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Ariel Helwani warmly welcomes UFC-WWE merger

The recent news of Endeavor's acquisition of WWE and their plans to merge it with the UFC has caused a stir in the MMA community. Among those who seem to be content with this development is Ariel Helwani, a well-known figure in the realms of MMA and professional wrestling.

The Canadian-American journalist has an extensive background in both fields, having previously worked with notable media outlets such as ESPN, Fox Sports, and BT Sport. Throughout his career, Helwani has become a prominent voice in combat sports media, sharing his insights and opinions on various platforms.

Helwani recently posted on Instagram:

"I have said this time and again: MMA’s roots are deeply entrenched in pro wrestling.”