Round by Round: The moves that set the market for UFC and WWE rights

Oct. 22, 2016
AT&T announces $85 billion acquisition of Time Warner. 

July 11, 2017
WME-IMG buys the UFC for $4.2 billion.

Oct. 1, 2017
The UFC’s exclusive negotiating window with Fox ends.

Oct. 9, 2017
WME-IMG changes name to Endeavor.

Nov. 20, 2017
Department of Justice sues AT&T to block Time Warner acquisition.

Dec. 14, 2017
Fox announces decision to sell its entertainment assets to Disney.

Dec. 18, 2017
John Skipper resigns as ESPN president; George Bodenheimer named interim leader.

Jan. 31, 2018
Fox buys the NFL’s “Thursday Night Football” package.

March 5, 2018
Jimmy Pitaro tabbed as ESPN’s new president.

April 12, 2018
ESPN launches streaming service, ESPN+.

May 8, 2018
ESPN announces streaming deal with the UFC.

May 16, 2018
WWE’s exclusive negotiating window with NBCUniversal ends.

May 23, 2018
ESPN’s $300 million-per-year UFC deal is announced.

June 12, 2018
AT&T-Time Warner merger approved.

June 26, 2018
WWE announces $470 million worth of deals annually with Fox and USA.