WWE

Vince McMahon has reportedly sold WWE to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. This comes less than a week after McMahon came out of retirement.

Steven also reported that the company will go back to being private for the first time since being listed as a public company in October 1999. Back in 2018, WWE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced a 10-year-long strategic partnership. She further added, “WWE is in such a strong position, that I have decided to return to my leave and take it one step further with my official resignation”. In a statement, the former WWE boss revealed his role was essential ‘to maximize the value for all WWE shareholders’ as they took ‘strategic alternatives’ leading to the company’s sale. Wrestling promotion WWE is being linked with reports claiming that the publicly traded company has been sold to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. As per Steven Muehlhausen of DAZN, the promotion as been sold to the gulf country’s investment fund.

The investment fund is run by Saudi prince Mohammed bin Salman and is one of the world's wealthiest. They have a significant interest in sports, having funded ...

“I had the privilege to return as the Co-CEO and chairwoman of the Board of WWE. Currently, Vince McMahon is the largest shareholder in WWE and can’effectively exercise control over affairs. Vince retired last year but has now returned to the board as executive chair and is leading a’strategic alternatives’ process.

Her decision comes mere days after her father Vince McMahon was reinstated to the WWE Board of Directors, and immediately after her announcement, the company ...

Her decision comes mere days after her father Vince McMahon was reinstated to the WWE Board of Directors, and immediately after her announcement, the company issued a press release stating that Vince had been [unanimously elected](https://tjrwrestling.net/news/vince-mcmahon-wwe-executive-chairman/) Executive Chairman of the Board. The PIF is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia which helped fund the takeover of Newcastle United Football Club in England as well as start the controversial LIV Golf organisation. Regardless of the alleged sale, it is also noted in the report that there is an “incredible amount of concern” in the company due to the resurgence of Vince McMahon in the company.

A new update has shed light on the reaction to Stephanie McMahon resigning from WWE, including McMahon's interesting choice of words at a talent meeting.

One WWE Superstar stressed that “public frustration” from the roster could arise if Vince McMahon assumes responsibility for the creative direction of the company. The report noted that at an employee meeting on the same day that it was announced Vince McMahon was returning to the WWE Board of Directors, January 6th, she confessed that “there’s naturally some animosity” before changing her choice of word to “angst” regarding her father’s return. [Vince McMahon](https://tjrwrestling.net/news/vince-mcmahon-wwe-executive-chairman/) strong-armed his way back onto the company’s Board of Directors before being named Executive Chairman.

VINCE McMAHON has sold the WWE to Newcastle's Saudi Arabian owners and is expected to return as head of creative, sensational reports say.The American.

[Triple H](https://www.the-sun.com/who/triple-h/) is expected to continue his role as Chief Content Officer, with Nick Khan serving as WWE CEO. [McMahon](https://www.the-sun.com/who/vince-mcmahon/) could be expected to return as head of creative. [unpopular owner Mike Ashley in a £300MILLION deal.](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/football/premier-league/3812263/newcastle-takeover-completed-official-ashley-out-saudi/) [to help facilitate a sale of the WWE.](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/7066845/vince-mcmahon-return-wwe-sell-company-retired-sexual-harassment/) [DAZN](https://twitter.com/SMuehlhausenJr/status/1613014122517655552), the WWE has been sold to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which also owns Premier League side Newcastle. VINCE McMAHON has sold the WWE to Newcastle's Saudi Arabian owners and is expected to return as head of creative, sensational reports say.

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.'s chairwoman and co-chief executive officer, Stephanie McMahon, has resigned from the company after her father's return.

[Sports](/sports) WWE shares rose about 6.8 percent in trading before exchanges opened in New York on Wednesday from their previous close of $90.24. [Entertainment](/life-style/entertainment) “Our founder, Vince McMahon, has returned as executive chair and is leading an exciting process regarding strategic alternatives, Stephanie McMahon said on Twitter. [AlArabiya](/) [For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.](https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMOnQlwswi_quAw?oc=3&ceid=US:en&hl=en-US&gl=US)

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE) has been sold to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, according to a tweet by DAZN journalist Steve Muehlhausen ...

Year-to-date, it has already [ climbed by 31.6%](https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/wwe/stock-analysis). [WWE’s stock](https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/wwe/forecast) price has risen more than 7% in pre-market trading. Muehlhausen tweeted late last night that the WWE had been sold and would return to being a private company.

Nick Khan will serve as the new WWE CEO, the entertainment firm added. Vince McMahon, 77, returned to the board last week and elected himself and two former co- ...

In the rvialry between WWE and UFC, Vince McMahon is poised to come out on top as expectations of a sale rise with his return to the company.

Media analysts at LightShed suggested in a 2023 outlook that Amazon may be very interested in adding WWE events to its slate of live programming. Plus, in the stock market, acquisitions tend to come at a 28% premium to a company’s stock price. Whoever the buyer, at the average price premium, Vince McMahon would find his 28.7 million shares worth $3.2 billion, putting his total wealth close to $4 billion, based on data from Forbes. That means any purchase of WWE is going to be result in lots of cash flowing to shareholders’ wallets. Founded in 1993 and not even half the age of WWE, UFC is now about even on two major metrics: social media followers (WWE 60.4 million; UFC 59.5 million) and revenue (for 2021: WWE $974 million; UFC roughly $1 billion*). The reason ties back to a common theme in sports and entertainment these days: WWE’s control of its media rights and intellectual property. [off the mark](https://www.sportico.com/personalities/executives/2023/vince-mcmahon-jumps-back-into-ring-1234700409/). Assuming the same for WWE, a 28% premium would put shares at $113. Endeavor’s heavy debt load—already a weight on the stock—is one reason the chatter that Endeavor wants to buy WWE probably won’t amount to anything. Enterprise value, which is the market cap plus debt, minus cash on hand, is probably a better reflection of a business’ true worth. And in recent years, UFC has seemed to run neck-and-neck with WWE for the title of the world’s favorite ringed event (sorry, Barnum and boxing). McMahon can offer all this in what may well be the golden age of media rights, with bidding sure to be influenced by the needs of traditional broadcasters eager to clutch whatever viewers they can as well as streaming behemoths looking to establish themselves with consumers.

WWE, the world's largest pro-wrestling company, has reportedly been bought by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. As per DAZN's Steven Muehlhausen of ...

The statement added, "WWE is in such a strong position that I have decided to return to my leave and take it one step further with my official resignation. It is to be noted that an official announcement has not been made. This development comes hours after Stephanie McMahon stepped down as Chairwoman & Co-Ceo, less than a week after her father, Vince McMahon, came out of retirement and took over as the chairman of the board.

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.'s chairwoman and co-chief executive officer, Stephanie McMahon, has resigned from the company after her father's return ...

Vince McMahon was 'unanimously elected' as executive chairman of the WWE board Tuesday, following the resignation of his daughter Stephanie McMahon.

"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." "I'll forever be grateful that she offered to step in during my absence and I'm truly proud of the job she did co-leading WWE," he continued. "I had the privilege to return as the Co-CEO and Chairwoman of the Board of WWE. And I am grateful to all of our partners," added Stephanie. She married WWE star "Our Founder, Vince McMahon, has returned as Executive Chair and is leading an exciting process regarding strategic alternatives," added Stephanie. "I will always remain dedicated to WWE. [return as Executive Chairman](https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2022/07-22-2022-210511643) and support the management team in the negotiations for our media rights and to combine that with a review of strategic alternatives," he added. I truly love our company, our employees, our Superstars, and our fans. Together." "Thank you for everything. [Vince McMahon](https://people.com/sports/everything-to-know-about-vince-mcmahon-xfl-relaunching-this-weekend/), 77, will serve as executive chairman of the WWE board, having been " [unanimously elected](https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2023/01-10-2023-235206986)" after her announcement the company stated in a release.

Did Vince McMahon sell the WWE? Some reporters are saying there's a deal in place for the professional wrestling company to have a new owner.

He was right, but it’s shaping up to be an incredibly interesting Wednesday for professional wrestling fans across the world. That boiled over late Tuesday night with DAZN’s Steven Muehlhausen reporting that the WWE has sold to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. McMahon reportedly returned to sell the company that he has spent most of his life building, and has already been able to be elected vice chairman.

Speculation about WWE's sale comes just hours after Vince McMahon was elected Executive Chairman of the Board. McMahon had announced his retirement last July, ...

US viewers can access the WWE Network via [Peacock](https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=127X991730&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.peacocktv.com%2F&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalspy.com%2Ftv%2Fustv%2Fa42453393%2Fwwe-sale-saudi-arabia-public-investment-fund-rumour%2F). [WWE](https://www.digitalspy.com/wwe/) is rumoured to have agreed a sale in principle to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). "WWE is in such a strong position, that I have decided to return to my leave and take it one step further with my official resignation. Since 2014, WWE has been promoting events in Saudi Arabia. Last week he appointment himself to the company's board of directors alongside former co-presidents and directors, Michelle Wilson and George Barrio. [Bodyslam](https://www.bodyslam.net/2023/01/11/exclusive-update-on-wwe-selling-to-saudi-investment-fund/) reports claims from insiders that a deal hasn't been fully finalised, because there are certain obligations that it must first meet for a sale as a publicly-traded company.

The saga continues within WWE as talks of a sale continue to grow with "multiple wrestlers" reported to want out if the Saudi Arabia PIF buys the company.

The PIF is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia and already owns a stake in the English football club Newcastle United as well as the LIV Golf organisation. Her decision comes mere days after her father Vince McMahon was reinstated to the WWE Board of Directors, and immediately after her announcement, the company issued a press release stating that Vince had been [unanimously elected](https://tjrwrestling.net/news/vince-mcmahon-wwe-executive-chairman/) Executive Chairman of the Board. The saga continues within WWE as talks of a sale continue to grow with “multiple wrestlers” reported to want out if the Saudi Arabia PIF buys the company.

WWE has not been sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund ... this according to sources familiar with the situation.

with the intent to help with TV deal negotiations and explore a potential sale of the company. A sale to Saudi Arabia would certainly cause backlash with WWE fans ... WWE Company Not Sold to Saudi Arabia ... WWE has not been sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund ... WWE Sources Say Company Not Sold to Saudi Arabia [Vince McMahon](https://www.tmz.com/people/vince-mcmahon/) secured a massive payday for handing over the company reins to Saudi Arabia, which would take the WWE private once again.

World Wrestling Entertainment elected former chief Vince McMahon as the executive chairman of the board on Tuesday, the company said, adding that co-chief ...

Vince McMahon, who ran the company for four decades, said last week that the only way for WWE to fully capitalize on growing demand for content and live entertainment was for him to return as executive chairman. Vince McMahon, 77, returned to the board last week and elected himself and two former co-presidents and directors Michelle Wilson and George Barrios to the board. [World Wrestling Entertainment elected former chief Vince McMahon](https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2023/01-10-2023-235206986) as the executive chairman of the board on Tuesday, the company said, adding that co-chief executive officer and chairwoman Stephanie McMahon resigned from her role.

The stock rose as much as 2.5% in early Wednesday trading following a report about the company's alleged pending sale to the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth ...

The long-time WWE CEO and chairman McMahon [resigned](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/06/17/vince-mcmahon-steps-down-as-wwe-ceo-amid-3-million-hush-pact-investigation/?sh=395f42dc278c) from the company in June and [retired](https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/07/22/vince-mcmahon-retires-from-wwe-under-cloud-of-misconduct-probe/?sh=3899789c5253) from the company in July following the revelation of [millions](https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2022/07/25/wwe-discloses-millions-in-vince-mcmahon-expensesbut-companys-stock-still-soars/?sh=5a5ef7f263e1) of dollars in company funds going toward “hush” payments to former employees accusing him of sexual misconduct. McMahon officially [took over](https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2023/01-10-2023-235206986) as chairman late Tuesday, while his daughter Stephanie McMahon simultaneously resigned from her role as co-CEO and chairwoman in what the elder McMahon described as a “personal decision.” The Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund made waves in American sports in 2022, [dishing out](https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2022/08/12/majors-monopolies-megabucks-and-donald-trump-inside-the-business-of-the-new-saudi-golf-league/?sh=18f414073ef5) billions of dollars in its financing of LIV Golf, the controversial PGA Tour competitor that lured top American golfers like Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau with its nine-figure paydays. [Vince McMahon Retires From WWE Under Cloud Of Misconduct Probe](https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/07/22/vince-mcmahon-retires-from-wwe-under-cloud-of-misconduct-probe/?sh=7faf1c4f5253) (Forbes) [Vince McMahon’s WWE Sale Would Body Slam UFC](https://www.sportico.com/personalities/owners/2023/vince-mcmahon-wwe-sale-would-body-slam-ufc-1234700896/) (Sportico) [estimate](https://www.forbes.com/profile/vincent-mcmahon/?sh=7fcfb861b897) McMahon to be worth $2.9 billion, with his fortune up substantially from the $2.3 billion it stood at as of his [June resignation](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/06/17/vince-mcmahon-steps-down-as-wwe-ceo-amid-3-million-hush-pact-investigation/?sh=395f42dc278c). [said](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230106005293/en/WWE-Provides-Update-Regarding-Composition-of-Its-Board-of-Directors-and-Exploration-of-Strategic-Alternatives) last week it planned to “undertake a review of its strategic alternatives with the goal being to maximize value for all WWE shareholders,” indicating it was likely mulling a sale, and CNBC [reported](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/07/who-would-buy-wwe-as-mcmahon-returns-to-board-to-pursue-sale.html) Saturday the firm has retained JPMorgan Chase to advise on such a transaction. [said](https://twitter.com/RichLightShed/status/1613167493580734476) LightShed Partners’ Rich Greenfield on Twitter, while Cannonball Research’s Vasily Karasyov noted in an email the original tweet was deleted and wrote in a recent note that the WWE would need to complete media rights negotiations in order for a sale to “make sense” for any bidder, with its television deal set to expire next year.

John Cena has wrestled at least one match on television during every calendar year since he debuted in 2002, but he only managed to keep that streak alive ...

The United States champion has a big chip on his shoulder and wants to prove himself against someone who has been called the best, and he has dropped Cena's name more than once. Ultimately, the ball is in the Hollywood star's court. For most people in this business, performing at the WWE showpiece is at the top of their bucket list. Needless to say, he has lived the dream and then some. He is in demand in Hollywood and probably enjoys not having to take bumps multiple times a week. But he still clearly loves to get in front of a crowd and mix it up inside the ring when his schedule allows.

In a since-deleted tweet, Steven Muehlhausen of DAZN reported Tuesday that WWE had been sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and that it would revert ...

[Cassidy Haynes](https://twitter.com/Casshooole/status/1613045348930289671) of BodySlam.net later reported that while WWE and Saudi Arabia have agreed to a deal in principle, it hasn't been finalized. Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. [Lauren Thomas](https://www.wsj.com/articles/vince-mcmahon-plots-return-to-wwe-11672952709) of the Wall Street Journal reported that McMahon was planning a WWE comeback in order to play a role in the potential sale of the company. [Alex Sherman](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/07/who-would-buy-wwe-as-mcmahon-returns-to-board-to-pursue-sale.html) furthered rumors of a potential sale last week when he reported that WWE hired investment banking company JPMorgan to advise it in sale discussions. [Brandon Thurston](https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1613176189610299396) of Wrestlenomics disputed reports of a sale, noting that someone in WWE "who would know" told him the Saudi Arabia rumors are untrue. [since-deleted tweet](https://wrestletalk.com/news/update-wwe-saudi-arabia-sale-agreed-in-principle/), Steven Muehlhausen of DAZN reported Tuesday that WWE had been sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and that it would revert to being a private company rather than a publicly traded one.

Stephanie's father, Vince, has now returned as chair - after she became co-CEO and chairwoman in July.

Stephanie has been a part of the company since the 1990s, appearing as an in-ring performer and leading the company in various roles behind the scenes. "Stephanie has always been the ultimate ambassador for our company, and her decades of contributions have left an immeasurable impact on our brand," Vince McMahon said. "I look forward to cheering on WWE from the other side of the business," Stephanie wrote in her resignation statement.

Rumors of a sale to Saudi Arabia have thrown wrestling's biggest company into turmoil.

This isn’t a done deal yet, but it seems to be on the ropes — and the future of wrestling could be very scary if this is finalized. A sale to the PIF would not carry on that legacy. A sale to the PIF would maximize the amount of money for a sale, with the additional benefit being that as a buyer they would be far less likely to scrutinize financials or worry about making a return on investment. Vince McMahon is unquestionably one of the worst employers in the United States when it comes to the rights of his workers. This is what’s often missed in the discussion of PIF-owned entities. Still, it’s a far cry from suddenly becoming the employee of a country with a laundry list of human rights violations. Complete with a host of wrestlers speaking on camera about how lovely Saudi Arabia is, how kind people are, bragging about the country’s cleanliness, and telling a predominantly western audience what a wonderful place it is to visit. Of course, this is designed to distract from the fact that anyone found to be LGBTQ can tortured, sentenced to life imprisonment, or be subject to chemical castration. So let’s slow things down, discuss what the hell is actually happening, and what this means for the future of professional wrestling — not just in terms of WWE, but for the industry as a whole. Significant investment, often far above “accepted” market rates, is made into a team, league, or sport as a whole — with an expectation that in exchange the beneficiary will help perform public relations for Saudi Arabia. On Tuesday night reports and rumors swirled that the world’s largest professional wrestling company was in the process of being sold to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the same entity which has heavily invested in Formula 1, initiated a takeover of We can pump the brakes on the sale reports right now, because this isn’t something that can happen in the dead of night without significant regulatory hoops to jump through.

Rumors swirled Wednesday that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund was eyeing a purchase of the WWE amid Stephanie McMahon's sudden departure as ...

Are You Asking It Already? [January 11, 2023] [the Hottest Franchises to Watch in 2023](/article/442326) [This One Question Will Make You a Better Thinker](/article/442557). [Front Office Sports](https://frontofficesports.com/public-investment-fund-saudi-arabia-wwe-sale-liv-golf-vince-mcmahon/) claimed that the PIF had been eyeing a purchase of the WWE, with some "sources" even seeming to indicate that the deal was already done. [Deadspin](https://deadspin.com/wwe-sold-saudi-arabia-vince-mcmahon-sportswashing-1849973522) and wrestling outlet [BodySlam.net](https://www.bodyslam.net/2023/01/11/vince-mcmahon-has-been-working-on-saudi-arabia-wwe-deal-since-his-retirement/). The world of the WWE this week has proven to be more chaotic than a Friday Night SmackDown show as rumors swirl that the company may soon be (or secretly has been) sold to a Saudi Arabian company amid the departure of current Co-CEO and Chairwoman Stephanie McMahon.

Vince McMahon is back. A sale to Saudi Arabia seems imminent. Here are all your questions about the state of the WWE answered (as best we can).

[antics](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdeqB6Rdalc) as the goofy, adopted brother of Samoan family the Bloodline (led by current WWE Champion Roman Reigns) have seen his popularity skyrocket. However, Zayn was [ reportedly](https://cultaholic.com/posts/report-claims-saudi-government-told-wwe-to-remove-sami-zayn-from-super-showdown-due-to-his-ethnicity) barred from performing at all of WWE’s eight Saudi events thus far because of his Syrian ethnicity. [ walking out during live TV](https://www.vulture.com/2022/05/sasha-banks-naomi-wwe-walkout-suspension.html)), but Levesque’s installment brought with it several renewed stories, an increased focus on viral marketing, the re-hiring of numerous wrestlers who’d been let go in recent months, and a general [morale boost](https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-backstage-morale-has-reportedly-greatly-improved-under-triple-h-recent-changes/) among talent. No decision seems too ruthless for McMahon, who — in a particularly Logan Roy move — ousted [his own son](https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-real-reason-wwe-chairman-vince-mcmahon-fired-his-son-shane-mcmahon-randy-orton/) from the company last year over creative disagreements. [recently formed Time Warner Discovery](https://www.vulture.com/article/is-hbo-max-going-away-warner-bros-discovery-streaming.html), which has its own wrestling broadcasting deal with rival company AEW, has been at the center of several streaming controversies (mostly involving [shuttered productions and properties being removed from HBO Max](https://www.vulture.com/article/hbo-max-removing-shows-movies-list.html)). Or, in the words of Succession’s Cousin Greg: “If it is to be said, so it is.” [the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45812399). Meanwhile Disney, which has a [deal](https://www.cagesideseats.com/2022/10/17/23408998/aaas-marvel-lucha-libre-disney-plus-show-trailer-premiere-date) in place with Mexican wrestling promotion AAA (involving the creation of several Marvel-themed wrestlers, and even a Disney+ series), has nabbed an increased market share of global film and television in recent years. [Succession](https://www.vulture.com/tv/succession/). He and wife Stephanie are believed to be well-liked backstage, and the latter’s departure already [ appears to have](https://wrestletalk.com/news/wwe-morale-stephanie-mcmahon-resignation/) caused unhappiness behind the scenes. Others, however, [ report](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10061294-report-wwe-doesnt-have-deal-to-sell-to-saudi-arabias-public-investment-fund) that WWE is still exploring its options. After McMahon’s retirement in July, his son-in-law, Paul Levesque — formerly the wrestler Triple H — was promoted to chief content officer and filled in for McMahon on day-to-day creative decisions.