TNA Wrestling may be on the verge of a major ownership shake-up, with new reports revealing that Lorenzo Fertitta, former UFC co-owner and a prominent figure associated with TKO Group Holdings, is in talks linked to a potential sale of the company. This surprising development is sending ripples through the wrestling industry amid ongoing negotiations about TNA’s broadcasting future and media rights[1][2][3].

Fertitta’s Potential Role in a TNA Purchase

The buzz surrounding Fertitta’s involvement began circulating widely this week after Fightful Select journalist Sean Ross Sapp shared insider chatter about the former UFC owner possibly acquiring TNA Wrestling. Fertitta’s name reportedly surfaced during internal meetings discussing the company’s future direction, prompting podcast host Conrad Thompson to fuel the speculation with a social media post simply saying “Lorenzo!” — a nod to the growing rumors[2][3].

Fertitta’s wrestling ties stem from his influential role in the mixed martial arts world. He co-purchased the UFC with his brother Frank in 2001 for $2 million and helped grow the promotion into a billion-dollar global brand before selling it to Endeavor for roughly $4 billion in 2016. WWE and UFC now operate under the umbrella of TKO Group Holdings, formed after Endeavor acquired WWE in 2023. This connection between Fertitta and TKO ignites speculation that TNA’s sale might bring it closer into WWE’s orbit or the broader TKO family[3][4].

Context: TNA’s History with Ownership and Broadcasts

The idea of TNA Wrestling going through ownership changes is not new. Anthem Sports & Entertainment, the promotion’s parent company, has explored potential buyers in the past. Former TNA President Scott D’Amore publicly expressed interest in purchasing the company himself, while well-known figures like Billy Corgan also made unsuccessful bids[1][2].

Presently, TNA appears to be in the midst of crucial media rights negotiations, with rumors indicating the company might shift its weekly show to Wednesday nights to directly compete with AEW Dynamite. Reports suggest discussions involving networks like The CW and A&E — channels already affiliated with WWE content — are underway, possibly facilitated by WWE itself as part of its existing partnership with TNA. This scenario adds plausibility to the theory that a change in ownership involving Fertitta could align TNA more closely with WWE or the TKO conglomerate[1][4].

What Sources Are Saying Behind the Scenes

Sources close to the situation emphasize the unconfirmed nature of these talks but acknowledge their seriousness. A WWE insider told Wrestling Headlines, “Lorenzo Fertitta’s name coming up isn’t just idle chatter. There’s real movement behind the scenes. WWE’s existing relationship with TNA and Fertitta’s ties to TKO make this an intriguing possibility.” Meanwhile, Fightful’s reporting underscores that while Fertitta’s involvement is not yet official, insiders expect more information to surface soon[2][4].

TNA President Carlos Silva has neither confirmed nor outright denied the rumors when approached by Sports Illustrated and Fightful but did comment on the company’s openness to new strategies, including exploring competition with AEW through a rescheduling of programming[1][3].

Industry Implications and What This Could Mean for Wrestling Fans

If Fertitta does move forward with a purchase of TNA, the ripple effects could be significant:

• Integration with TKO Group Holdings: TNA could gain more stable financial and production resources, possibly benefiting from cross-promotion with WWE and UFC.

• Broadcast Impact: A new TV deal on a major network like The CW could expand TNA’s visibility, positioning it as a more formidable alternative to AEW.

• Content and Talent Development: Fertitta’s business acumen and experience scaling UFC globally could translate into revitalizing TNA’s brand and talent pipeline.

However, AEW ownership has expressed little interest in acquiring TNA, citing the company’s limited value and much of its historic footage already owned by Ring of Honor management[1][2].

Looking Ahead

The wrestling world will be watching closely as these developments unfold. Media rights deals are expected to be finalized by October, and with Fertitta’s name gaining traction as a potential buyer, TNA could soon be poised for one of the most significant transitions in its history.

As always, fans and analysts should treat these reports with cautious optimism until official announcements are made. For now, the combination of Fertitta’s business legacy, TNA’s shifting broadcast strategy, and WWE’s indirect involvement paints a compelling picture of a wrestling landscape possibly undergoing notable consolidation and renewal.

Sources: Fightful Select, Wrestling Headlines, Sports Illustrated, Wrestling News Source, Wrestling Attitude.