The sources requested anonymity because the matter is confidential. Endeavor and WWE did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Sunday.
The deal could be announced as early as this week, the sources said. Endeavor shareholders will own 51% of the combined company, while WWE shareholders would get 49%, the sources said.
WWE shares, which have risen more than 30% this year, closed at $91.26 on Friday, giving the company a market capitalization of $6.8 billion. Endeavor has a market value of $11.3 billion.
Endeavor is led by Hollywood power broker Ari Emanuel, who earlier this month declined to answer questions about a possible deal.
Emanuel has worked to transform Endeavor into a sports and entertainment powerhouse, making more than 20 acquisitions. His investments – in bull riding events, fashion shows and the Miami Open and Madrid Open tennis competitions – sought to diversify the company, which grew from a legacy rooted in representing…
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