TKO made a significant move in September by bringing together two powerhouse sports entertainment brands, WWE and UFC, under one roof. This integration has now led to the announcement that the live-events teams of both promotions will be merging into one fully integrated unit called the TKO Live Events Strategy Team. This strategic alignment aims to harness the collective power and expertise of UFC and WWE to maximize event revenue potential, pursue growth opportunities, and achieve cost synergies.
The newly formed TKO Live Events Strategy Team will focus on creating operational efficiencies and developing strategies to capitalize on the broader economic benefits that the company brings to host cities. This includes partnering with local governments and maximizing revenue opportunities from site fees. According to Andrew Schleimer, the chief financial officer of TKO, the demand for live sports and entertainment has never been stronger, and they believe their portfolio of events will continue to drive the growth of their business.
As part of the integration, UFC senior executive Peter Dropick will be elevated to the role of executive vice president, event development and operations for TKO. Dropick will collaborate closely with UFC president and CEO Dana White, WWE president Nick Khan, UFC COO Lawrence Epstein, WWE chief content officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, and Schleimer to enhance the live event business for both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts promotions. This restructuring signifies a concerted effort to streamline operations and drive sustainable growth for TKO.
The integration between WWE and UFC has already started to manifest in various ways. Notably, WWE superstars have made appearances at UFC live events, while UFC fighters have been spotted ringside at WWE shows. The collaborative approach will be showcased in Louisville, Kentucky, where WWE SmackDown and UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Imavov will take place at the KFC Yum! Center in June. A unique ticket bundle has been offered to attend both shows, highlighting the synergy between the two promotions.
One of the significant milestones to highlight the partnership between WWE and UFC is the announcement of NXT Battleground taking place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This move underscores the commitment to explore new avenues and reach a broader audience. Both promotions have had a strong start to 2024, with WrestleMania 40 setting a WWE gate record and UFC 300 breaking attendance records. The collaborative efforts between WWE and UFC under the TKO umbrella aim to capitalize on this momentum and drive sustained growth in the live events sector.