TORONTO – Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in TNA Impact Wrestling, and has subsequently formed Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC.
Anthem also owns Fight Network, Impact Wrestling’s exclusive broadcaster in Canada and worldwide digital partner. The deal follows Anthem’s decision in November to provide a credit facility to Nashville-based Impact Ventures, parent company of TNA Impact Wrestling, to fund operations.
Anthem EVP Ed Nordholm, who has been the managing director of the Impact Ventures board of managers since October, will assume the position of president of Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions. Dixie Carter will resign from her position as chair of Impact Ventures and join the advisory board of Fight Media Group, which holds all of the combat sports-related assets of Anthem, where her focus will be on the global growth of the combat sports-related brands owned by Anthem. She will also remain a minority equity stakeholder.
“As we grow Anthem’s linear, digital and mobile platforms globally, top tier content with global appeal is key to that success and this acquisition is a perfect strategic addition to our portfolio”, said Nordholm, in the announcement. “Impact has been a dominant wrestling brand around the world for more than a decade and we are confident that Anthem can leverage its assets and strategic partnerships to take Impact Wrestling to even greater heights.”
