In the July 9 episode of EssentiallySports Think Tank, industry titan Rob Kligman, Chief Revenue Officer of Anthem Sports Group and former WWE executive, pulls back the curtain on the future of sports entertainment. The Ex-VP of Global Digital & Integrated Sponsorship Sales at WWE—a seasoned leader with a proven track record—offers C-suite executives an exclusive look at the strategic moves and partnerships that are set to redefine the landscape.

One of the most significant developments on Kligman’s radar is the potential merger between WWE and UFC. “From what I can see at WWE, I can see there’s some great leadership at UFC, and the ability for them to merge the two together will offer up a great entity for both advertisers, sponsorships, and fans,” he reveals. This consolidation of two industry giants could create a formidable powerhouse, merging passionate fan bases, world-class talent, and lucrative commercial opportunities. But what could this mean for your brand? Trey Holder, the astute host of Think Tank, dives deeper with our guest to uncover the strategic implications of this potential merger.

Rob Kligman Introduces the Audience to a Brand New Era of Sports Entertainment Sponsorship

The recent groundbreaking partnership between WWE and PRIME Hydration, co-founded by Logan Paul and KSI, serves as a prime example of the innovative sponsorship strategies that could emerge from this merger. With PRIME securing exclusive center mat branding at major events like WrestleMania and Money in the Bank, the deal showcases the immense potential for cross-promotion and synergistic partnerships in the evolving world of sports entertainment.

“They’ve taken advantage of it, and that’s obviously coming from the UFC’s side of sponsorship. I’m excited to see what they can do from a shared services perspective, but I think they’ve got some great leadership; I think they’re going out with a great opportunity with Netflix, and they see, I think, that the sky’s the limit!” What other game-changing partnerships are on the horizon?

Rob Kligman’s vision extends beyond the ring, highlighting the potential for cross-pollination between WWE and UFC talent. “They’ve got some great correlations between talent, where they can bring some talent, like the old Ronda Rousey’s of the day from UFC, over to WWE in a similar fashion like they did Brock Lesnar as well.” This strategic exchange could ignite new rivalries, storylines, and fan engagement, offering marketers and advertisers a unique opportunity to tap into a diverse and fervent audience. Get ready for a paradigm shift in athlete branding and fan engagement, where the lines between sports and entertainment blur even further.

Beyond the merger, the CRO of Anthem Sports Group also delves into WWE’s internal strategies, praising the “amazing” creativity of Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE’s Chief Content Officer. He hints at a potential resurgence of the “Attitude Era,” possibly on Netflix, signaling a willingness to experiment with content formats and platforms to capture a broader audience.

“I think there’s an opportunity, potentially, to maybe do something more in the Attitude era, with where WWe is gonna be with Netflix, and potentially do a little bit of a more softer brand style on the cable outlets, but for Netflix, they may have an opportunity to push the limit a little bit,” Rob Kligman remarks, emphasizing a nuanced approach that caters to both new and existing fan bases. This could be a game-changer for WWE’s content strategy, and the ripple effects of it could go beyond what has been envisioned. Trey Holder, in conversation with Kligman, further explores the potential impact on the brand’s identity and audience reach.

The industry veteran also reveals WWE’s strategic partnership with TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling), a move that could reshape the wrestling landscape. “I think the opportunity for us to blend leagues together is only gonna make each league stronger and broaden and strengthen the talent,” he explains, highlighting the potential for collaboration to foster growth and innovation across the industry. What untapped potential lies in this alliance, and how will it impact the future of wrestling?

EssentiallySports Think Tank initiative, featuring industry luminaries like Kligman, is an indispensable resource for executives seeking to stay ahead of the curve. In “WWE, TNA & Beyond: Combat Sports Chronicles ft. Rob Kligman,” host Trey Holder engages the brand marketing pro with over 2 decades of experience, providing his expert analysis, industry insights, and strategic foresight on all things wrestling.

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This week’s episode goes beyond the surface, delving into TNA’s secrets and the pivotal role figures like the Hardy Boyz and Dolph Ziggler play in shaping the future of wrestling. Kligman’s insights into athlete branding, storytelling, and the evolving relationship between sports and entertainment provide invaluable takeaways for executives looking to leverage these dynamics for their brands.

EssentiallySports is committed to empowering brands with the knowledge and insights they need to thrive in the ever-evolving sports landscape. Our Think Tank series is a testament to this commitment, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to share their wisdom and expertise. Join us as we continue to explore the frontiers of sports media, marketing, and entertainment. This is EssentiallySports Think Tank—Where Sports Meets Smart Content.

What does the future hold for the dynamic world of combat sports entertainment? Tune into ES Think Tank today to find out!