Delaware Judge Sanctions Vince McMahon, WWE Executives for Destroying Evidence in TKO Merger Suit

A Delaware judge sanctioned former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and other executives for destroying evidence in a shareholder lawsuit over the 2023 merger that created TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO). In a May 26, 2026 ruling, Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster found they used Signal’s auto-delete feature to erase potentially relevant communications, directing the court to presume five damaging statements are true. Those statements include that Endeavor Executive Chairman Ari Emanuel promised McMahon continued influence and legal support amid federal investigations into sexual misconduct claims, influencing his decision. The suit alleges McMahon steered the sale process toward Endeavor, rejecting higher offers, and that the $21.4 billion deal undervalued WWE. The merger closed in September 2023. The trial begins June 8, 2026, with McMahon, Emanuel, TKO President Mark Shapiro, and others expected to testify. McMahon has denied wrongdoing. TKO representatives did not immediately comment.