• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Vince McMahon Would Step Down to Complete Sale of WWE

  • WWE CEO Nick Khan said potential sale of WWE ‘not about what role’ McMahon will have.
  • McMahon returned to WWE in January after he retired abruptly in July.
WWE president Vince McMahon at Wrestlemania.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

WWE CEO Nick Khan said “without question” founder Vince McMahon would step aside if that was necessary to complete a sale to the right bidder. 

Khan made that declaration in a call with investors after the company announced record annual earnings of $1.3 billion and a rosy growth outlook for 2023 on Thursday.

“Yes, without question. He’s declared it to the board,” Khan said. “He’s declared to us in management. It’s all about shareholder value. Obviously, he is a shareholder. So It’s not about what role he will have. It’s about maximizing that value opportunity.”

McMahon’s stance is believed to be aimed at potential acquirers who would want him to step aside as part of an acquisition. Think of a company with a squeaky clean image like The Walt Disney Co.

McMahon retired abruptly amid a sexual misconduct scandal in July before using his controlling stake in the WWE to put himself back in charge last month. 

Beyond a potential sale, Khan said WWE will commence negotiations with its existing broadcast partners NBC Universal (“Monday Night Raw” on USA and exclusive streaming content on Peacock) and Fox (“Smackdown”) after April’s “Wrestlemania.” Those deals expire at the end of 2024. 

Both media companies are among the potential bidders for WWE, and Khan, the company, is looking for “a partner that understands the media business.” 

The other potential bidders include: 

  • Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the major financial backer of LIV Golf. 
  • The agencies CAA and Endeavor, the latter of which owns UFC. 
  • Like Comcast’s NBCU and Fox, Amazon would be looking to acquire WWE for its popular content. 

What if No Sale Materializes?

WWE President and CFO Frank Riddick said all WWE’s hopes aren’t pinned on finding a suitor. 

“The business is quite strong,” he said. “If nothing comes out (of the sale process), we have a number of growth initiatives.”

Looking ahead, Khan sees the WWE’s international opportunity as “huge.”

“These are all the things that we’re going to be looking at in terms of who can accelerate our business,” Khan said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 3, 2022; Arlington, TX, USA; WWE owner Vince McMahon enters the arena during WrestleMania at AT&T Stadium.

Vince McMahon Has Dumped Close to $2 Billion of TKO Stock in..

The embattled WWE founder is fighting sexual assault allegations in court.
exclusive

Jackie Redmond on Absurd Travel Between NHL Playoffs, WWE

Redmond covered four events in six nights across the continent.

Featured Today

Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) before game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.

Rockets Get $20 Million in Wiggle Room From New VanVleet Deal

VanVleet first signed with the Rockets in 2023.
April 20, 2025

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
June 24, 2025

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.
March 20, 2025

Maxx Crosby’s Agent: Edge Rushers Set to Dominate NFL’s Non-QB Market

Maxx Crosby just signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension.
March 4, 2025

Eagles Make Saquon Barkley NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back Ever

Barkley is coming off a historic 2024 season with the Eagles.