Nick Khan has poured cold water on speculation that TKO Group is preparing to go on a buying spree.
With WWE and UFC thriving under the TKO banner and Zuffa Boxing now getting off the ground, many have wondered whether the company could start adding more sports or entertainment properties to its growing portfolio. According to Khan, that’s not the plan right now.
During an appearance at the Sports Business Journal World Congress of Sports, the WWE President explained that TKO is focused on getting the most out of the businesses it already owns.
While discussing the company’s future growth strategy, Khan pointed to the success WWE, UFC, and Zuffa Boxing have already had working together.
“So, look, the hyperfocus right now is on our existing businesses. So, even if you look at these are all publicly, you know, released numbers, the revenue and profitability of the company, the cost synergies, the revenue synergies between WWE and UFC in particular, and now Zuffa Boxing are phenomenal.”
Khan explained that combining those brands has created leverage across sponsorships, media rights, venues, and other business opportunities.
“So, if you want to do a sponsorship deal with one, maybe you have to do a sponsorship deal with all. And we found that that leverage in the marketplace has worked quite well as it applies to venues, television deals, or content deals, and everything else.”
After hearing that explanation, Khan was directly asked whether TKO had any mergers or acquisitions in the works. His answer was short and to the point.
“We’re going to stick with what we have for now and try to grow it out in the right way.”
As TKO continues building its business around WWE, UFC, and its new boxing venture, don’t expect the company to start collecting additional promotions or sports properties anytime soon. At least for now, the focus is on growing what they already have.
Do you think TKO should continue focusing on WWE, UFC, and Zuffa Boxing, or would you like to see the company acquire another major combat sports or entertainment property? Let us know in the comments and share your thoughts.
