Nick Khan has reiterated earlier suggestions that WWE will be sold quickly and there has been a “warm reception” in the marketplace over a deal.
Speaking in a new interview with CNBC, Khan who is the sole WWE CEO following the departure of Stephanie McMahon in January, discussed the sale, interested potential buyers, and Vince McMahon’s role going forward.
Khan doubled down on recent comments from himself and WWE that Vince McMahon isn’t involved in creative in any way. McMahon returned to the Board of Directors on January 6th, before being elected Executive Chairman just days later. During the company’s recent Q4 Earnings Call, Khan stated that McMahon would be prepared to step down to help maximise the value of a potential sale, or after a sale is completed. This is something he reaffirmed to CNBC.
Nick Khan Claims Comcast Deal Still On The Table
With regard to the sale itself, it was put to Khan that Comcast, who also CNBC was not interested in buying the company but Endeavor who owns UFC might be. In response, Khan stated that he remains bullish over interest from the telecommunications conglomerate, but there are a number of deals possible.
“I think they’re all possible. We’re still bullish on Comcast being possible. Obviously there’s only so much I can say about it at this moment, but we’ve certainly got a warm reception in the marketplace from people who seem interested.”
.@WWE CEO Nick Khan says strategic sale will be quick: "Maybe three months"$WWE@CNBC@DavidFaber@CarlQuintanilla@MorganLBrennanpic.twitter.com/vRKyDjjNWn
— Squawk on the Street (@SquawkStreet) February 3, 2023
When asked about a timescale for the sale, Khan was unwavering as he suggested it would be a quick process and could be wrapped up in three months.
Vince McMahon returned to WWE’s Board on January 6th along with two other associates. To make room for his return he removed three serving members, and two more quit of their own accord. This was followed by the departure of co-CEO Stephanie McMahon. McMahon had ‘retired’ in July 2022 amidst a whirlwind of claims of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. It was alleged that he made a series of “hush money payments” in an effort to suppress the claims.
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