Dana White and Vince McMahon Pile Up $2.4 Billion in Losses as $100M Saudi MMA Invasion via PFL Forces Huge Drop in Endeavor Stock

In a startling turn of events, shares of the parent company of WWE and UFC, Endeavor Group, took a sharp nosedive on Thursday. The catalyst for this was reports of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) channeling an enormous $100 million into the Professional Fighters League (PFL).The rising new player in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).

Saudi PIF (Public Investment Fund) launched SRJ Sports Investment, the company that facilitated this significant investment. SRJ Sports Investment secured a minority stake in PFL. The injection of funds from Saudi Arabia is earmarked for the Middle East/North Africa region. It’s also for starting the ‘Super Fight’ pay-per-view service.

PFL investment may haunt Dana White and Vince McMahon

However, the stock market felt the repercussions of this move. With WWE shares plummeting by $13.50 per share, marking a 12% drop. Endeavor shares, the parent company of both WWE and UFC, witnessed a significant 9% decrease, losing $2.26 of their value. The timing couldn’t be more precarious, as WWE and UFC are on the brink of finalizing their merger as a public company next month.

The financial downturn extends beyond the immediate shock. World Wrestling Entertainment’s market value has tumbled from $9.6 billion to $8 billion, highlighting the substantial stakes in play. Similarly, Endeavor Group Holdings, the entity that owns both UFC and WWE, has seen its market value dwindle. From $7.4 billion to $6.6 billion.

As financial tremors continue to ripple through the industry, all eyes are now on the evolving landscape of MMA and the unfolding saga of WWE and UFC’s merger.

PFL takes aim at expanding the MMA universe

PFL, in its official announcement, disclosed that the inaugural Superfight PPV event is slated for the first quarter of 2024. Notably, the card for this event is expected to feature former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and the popular Youtuber-turned-prizefighter, Jake Paul.

Donn Davis, the founder and chairman of PFL, underscored the organization’s grand ambition. By stating, “PFL’s mission is to become the global co-leader in MMA with our fighter-first mission and disruptive sport-season format.” He further emphasized that SRJ’s investment bolsters PFL’s phenomenal global growth and solidifies an invaluable partnership.

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In light of this massive Saudi investment, PFL has unveiled an ambitious plan to launch six international regional leagues by 2026. Dubbed the “Champions League of MMA,” this endeavor draws parallels to the prestigious European football cup. Reflecting the organization’s vision for global dominance in the realm of mixed martial arts.

What do you think? Will the PFL be able to compete with the monolith that is the UFC? Let us know in the comments below!

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