WWE Acquiring 51% Controlling Stake in AAA, IP Assets Central to Deal – New reporting has revealed key details surrounding WWE’s forthcoming acquisition of a majority stake in Mexico’s top wrestling promotion, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.
As first reported by LexLatin, WWE—via its parent company TKO Group Holdings—will acquire a 51% controlling interest in AAA, with Mexican sports and entertainment company Fillip holding the remaining 49% stake once the transaction finalizes in the third quarter of 2025.
The total value of the deal has not been disclosed. WWE initially revealed the acquisition during the WrestleMania 41 pre-show broadcast last month, but the new report offers additional insight into the structure and legal complexities of the agreement.
According to LexLatin, the acquisition places a major emphasis on AAA’s intellectual property portfolio, which includes trademarks, copyrights, character rights, and licensing agreements. These intangible assets are considered among the most valuable parts of the purchase, prompting a detailed legal audit before the deal’s completion.
“The deal had a strong intellectual property component as the main value of the acquired company… is its intangible assets (trademarks, copyrights, and exclusive use rights, among others),” stated Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, SC—the legal firm representing Fillip. The firm also confirmed that the due diligence process included verification of the legal standing of these assets, as well as an examination of related contracts and licenses.
However, the report also disclosed that some of AAA’s IP assets are currently subject to litigation, prompting further legal scrutiny. “Several of the seller’s IP assets were subject to litigation, necessitating an analysis of potential liabilities and risks arising from the litigation,” the firm explained.
Additionally, Roberto Cornish, of Cornish+Pani Abogados, which represented the sellers in the transaction, revealed that the IP audit extended to the structuring and documentation of AAA’s portfolio of characters, brands, and licensing agreements, further highlighting the significance of AAA’s intellectual property in the broader transaction.
No further details have been released regarding the specific lawsuits or the outcome of the IP audit. However, the report emphasizes that intellectual property and brand value were central drivers behind WWE’s interest in acquiring the lucha libre promotion.
Once completed, this acquisition marks a significant move for WWE’s global expansion strategy, potentially opening the door for deeper integration of AAA talent, characters, and branding into WWE programming and cross-promotional efforts.
WWE Acquiring 51% Controlling Stake in AAA, IP Assets Central to Deal
