TKO, the parent company of WWE and UFC has taken another step towards synchronicity with the merging of the Live Event teams of both companies.
WWE and UFC will have their live events overseen by one unit, described in a statement as “one of the strongest live events portfolios in all of sports and entertainment.” Andrew Schleimer, Chief Financial Officer of TKO, shared what this merger hopes to achieve.
“The newly integrated TKO Live Events Strategy Team will focus on creating operational efficiencies and developing strategies to leverage the broader economic benefits we bring to host cities, including partnering with local governments and maximizing revenue opportunities from site fees.”
The merger is just the latest sign of WWE and UFC being connected now that both are under the TKO umbrella. WWE Superstars can often be found at UFC events with CM Punk, Montez Ford, Bianca Belair, Rey Mysterio, and Randy Orton all being spotted since the merger in September 2023. Similarly, UFC fighter Michael Chandler appeared on the February 19 edition of WWE Monday Night Raw and used his time on the show to call out Conor McGregor.
Next month, WWE SmackDown and UFC Fight Night will be held in succession in Louisville, Kentucky with a ticket deal available for a weekend of TKO Group Holdings action. WWE NXT Battleground will be held at the UFC Apex on June 9, the first time any WWE event has been held at the venue.
