MLW Antitrust Lawsuit Against WWE Settled For $20 Million

Major League Wrestling (MLW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) reached a settlement agreement in December 2023 for a reported $20 million, according to filings by TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of MLW.

The lawsuit, filed in January 2022, accused WWE of antitrust violations by interfering with MLW's business dealings. MLW claimed that WWE pressured TV networks and streaming services like Vice TV and Tubi to abandon potential deals with them, hindering their growth and maintaining a monopoly in the professional wrestling industry.



While the initial lawsuit was dismissed in February 2023, an amended complaint by MLW led to a judge denying WWE's motion to dismiss. The ongoing legal battle reportedly impacted WWE's talent recruitment efforts due to concerns regarding potential accusations of poaching or tampering.

The details of the settlement were revealed in TKO Group Holdings' 2023 earnings report, which listed a $20 million charge related to the settlement of an antitrust lawsuit with WWE. A separate filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission confirmed that the lawsuit involved MLW and that the settlement agreement was reached on December 22nd, 2023.

This development marks the conclusion of a legal battle that shed light on the competitive landscape of professional wrestling and its potential antitrust concerns. While the specifics of the settlement remain confidential, the $20 million figure signifies a significant resolution for both parties involved.

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