The parent company of WWE and UFC is buying Professional Bull Riders, On Location, and IMG from Endeavor Group in an all-stock deal valued at $3.25 billion.
The sale to parent company TKO is part of Endeavor’s efforts to shed some of its assets as it looks to be taken private in a proposed transaction with private equity firm Silver Lake, which was announced in April. Ariel Emanuel, who serves as CEO of Endeavor, is also executive chair and CEO of TKO.
According to a press release issued by TKO and Endeavor, PBR CEO and Commissioner Sean Gleason will continue to lead the Professional Bull Riders.
Gleason posted that it is a “great time to be a bull rider, stock contractor, partner and a fan,” on his Facebook page Thursday.
Gleason’s entire post read:
“Very excited to share that TKO, a premium sports and entertainment company comprised of UFC and WWE, today announced an …