Latest news on a potential WWE sale.
Alex Sherman of CNBC reports WWE has hired JPMorgan to advise on a potential sale. The report states a deal "would likely happen before mid-2023," around the time TV rights negotiations for WWE would take place. WWE's media rights deals with WWE Raw on USA Network and WWE SmackDown on Fox expire in 2024.
The report says, "WWE plans to talk to potential buyers before it makes a decision on TV rights renewal agreements."
Vince McMahon officially returned to the WWE board of directors on Friday. In a press release put out on Thursday, McMahon said, “My return will allow WWE, as well as any transaction counterparties, to engage in these processes knowing they will have the support of the controlling shareholder."
McMahon retired as CEO on July 22, 2022 amid accusations of sexual misconduct and hush money. A board investigation into McMahon wrapped up in November.
The report lists Comcast, Fox, Disney, Warner Bro. Discovery, Netflix, Amazon, Endeavor, and Liberty Media as potential buyers.
WWE stock shot up to its highest number since 2019 on Friday amid reports of a potential sale.
Fightful will keep fans updated on any potential WWE when more news is known.