The landscape of Japanese professional wrestling changed dramatically this week as New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced that parent company Bushiroad has agreed to transfer its shares in the promotion to TV Asahi and CyberAgent. The move ends Bushiroad’s 14-year run as the majority owner of NJPW and signals a major shift in the future direction of one of the world’s most recognizable wrestling companies.
According to reports, Bushiroad’s 70 percent ownership stake is being split between TV Asahi and CyberAgent, with both companies expected to hold roughly equal shares after the transaction is finalized. The deal is reportedly valued at approximately 3.6 billion yen, or around $22–24 million USD.
Bushiroad acquired NJPW in 2012 during a difficult period for the promotion. Under Bushiroad ownership, NJPW experienced a resurgence in popularity both in Japan and internationally. The company helped modernize the promotion’s branding, expanded merchandising opportunities, increased global streaming through NJPW World, and supported the rise of stars such as Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Kenny Omega. Bushiroad also oversaw NJPW’s return to sold-out Tokyo Dome events and major international expansion into the United States.
In an official statement, Bushiroad explained that the wrestling and entertainment industries are increasingly dependent on digital media, streaming platforms, and video distribution. The company stated that TV Asahi’s broadcasting power and CyberAgent’s expertise in digital media and streaming made them ideal partners to guide NJPW into its next phase of growth.
TV Asahi has long been connected to NJPW as the promotion’s primary television partner in Japan, airing events and specials for decades. CyberAgent, meanwhile, brings enormous digital influence through its ABEMA streaming platform and ownership connections to CyberFight, the parent company of promotions including Pro Wrestling NOAH, DDT Pro-Wrestling, and Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling.
The announcement immediately sparked speculation among wrestling fans about what this means for the Japanese wrestling industry moving forward. With CyberAgent already involved in multiple major promotions, some observers believe the acquisition could lead to increased cooperation between NJPW and CyberFight-owned companies. Others wonder if the deal could strengthen NJPW’s streaming and international distribution capabilities as the wrestling world becomes more competitive globally.
Notably, World Wonder Ring Stardom is not included in the sale and will remain under Bushiroad ownership. NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi and company officials indicated that NJPW and Stardom will continue working together despite the corporate restructuring.
For fans, the immediate message from NJPW management is that business operations and scheduled events will continue as normal. However, behind the scenes, this may become one of the most important turning points in modern Japanese wrestling history, potentially reshaping media rights, streaming distribution, talent relationships, and the balance of power across the puroresu industry for years to come.
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