Following suggestions that WWE has been sold, a new report has claimed that at least for now, that isn’t the case.
News broke on January 10th that Stephanie McMahon was leaving the company with immediate effect and stepping down from her role as co-CEO. McMahon had been in position since Vince McMahon “retired” back in July 2022. With Stephanie gone, Nick Khan has been confirmed as sole SEO.
These developments were followed by the announcement that Vince McMahon had been elected as Executive Chairman by the Board of Directors. McMahon had returned to the company just days earlier in order facilitate a sale. Something which appeared to be happening imminently with the news that a deal had been struck between WWE and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
No Deal Between WWE and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund
However, in a post on social media, Ariel Helwani has now denied that a deal has been done.
“Contrary to reports stating otherwise last night, there is no deal in place at this precise moment for WWE to be sold to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund or any entity, sources say. The organization is still exploring all options, I’m told. Developing.”
Contrary to reports stating otherwise last night, there is no deal in place at this precise moment for WWE to be sold to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund or any entity, sources say.
The organization is still exploring all options, I’m told. Developing.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 11, 2023
PIF are already the majority shareholders in English Premier League club Newcastle United, while also being behind controversial body LIV Golf, which has been set up as a rival to the established PGA Tour.
WWE already have a long-established relationship with Saudi Arabia, announcing a ten-year partnership with the kingdom back in 2018. Since the deal began, eight Premium Live Events have been held in Saudi Arabia, with WWE hosting two-per year, although this was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.