In a plot twist more corporate than a WrestleMania contract signing segment, Endeavor — the puppet master pulling the strings of WWE’s parent company TKO — has officially gone private. That’s right: no more stock market drama, no more quarterly calls filled with buzzwords like “synergy,” and no more Redditors pretending to understand earnings reports.
According to Wrestlenomics, the change is technically huge, but practically like swapping entrance music — different vibe, same stomps. TKO (which owns WWE, UFC, and more testosterone than a supplement aisle) will remain publicly traded, so don’t worry: you can still invest in suplexes and spinning elbows from the comfort of your couch.
Endeavor is also doing a little identity cosplay and will now go by WME Group, a nod to its original name, William Morris Endeavor, back when agents smoked cigars and only represented actors who had dinner with Sinatra. The real power now lies with Silver Lake, a private equity firm that sounds like it should own a supervillain lair but instead owns, well… everything.
Ari Emanuel, real-life Ari Gold and the man who runs Hollywood like Paul Heyman runs a mic, is now Executive Chairman of WME Group. Mark Shapiro, his long-time tag-team partner in boardroom promos, is now President and Managing Partner. New titles, same power suits.
Here’s the kicker: this privatization is reportedly the most expensive deal to take a company private in history — a casual $25 billion flex. Shareholders were offered $27.50 per share, which is about the same price the stock launched at in 2021. So, if you were hoping for a Cinderella stock story — sorry, this ain’t GameStop.
Despite all the boardroom shuffles, TKO is still sitting pretty with its Avengers-like lineup: WWE, UFC, the PBR bull riding league (yes, that’s real), talent agency IMG, and live events company On Location. WME still owns 59% of TKO, so don’t expect Vince to start booking rodeos — but do expect more crossover events than your average multiverse.
In summary: Endeavor is now WME, they’re off the stock exchange, but your favorite cage fights and bodyslams are staying exactly where they are — just with a slightly fancier corporate logo behind them.