Vince McMahon made a sensational return to the WWE Board earlier this week, purportedly to help facilitate a sale of the sports entertainment franchise. Whilst McMahon has historically been reported to be a tough negotiator, there will be no shortage of potential buyers for the Stamford, CT based company.
A number Of Interested Parties Circling Following Vince McMahon’s WWE Return
CNCB reports that WWE has appointed JP Morgan to advise on a potential sale, with a deal touted to be completed in the coming months with McMahon in the process of spearheading media rights negotiations.
One of the reported front runners is Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The group already hold an eye-watering $620 billion worth of assets, including a majority shareholding in English Premier League side Newcastle Utd, and would likely have no trouble in producing the funds needed to purchase WWE.
WWE and Saudi Arabia are into their fifth year of a lucrative agreement to hold two Premium Live Events per year in the Kingdom. Events such as Greatest Royal Rumble and Crown Jewel have been hosted in the Middle East, whilst the 2022 edition of Elimination Chamber also emanated from Jeddah. The deal runs until 2028 but, such is the impact of the events already held, the PIF are leading contenders for a potential acquisition.
They could face stiff competition, however, with entertainment giants FOX and Comcast – which owns NBCUniversal – both potential bidders. FOX currently holds the broadcasting rights for SmackDown and may be tempted into overall control of the product.
Streaming heavyweights Netflix and Amazon both reportedly hold a tentative interest, as do Disney, Endeavour Group – who own UFC and Warner Bros. Formula 1 owners Liberty Media would also add to the list of potential suitors.
Vince McMahon is no stranger to competition and is sure to want to pit these huge entertainment rivals against each other in order to drive a huge price for his company.