Following the apparent return of embattled owner Vince McMahon to the company, WWE has reportedly emerged as a potential future asset for the Saudi-backed sovereign wealth fund behind pro-golf league LIV Golf.
The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund could make an offer for WWE if the promotion is put up for sale, Front Office Sports reported Friday.
PIF, which launched LIV Golf in 2020, currently controls approximately $620 billion in assets and has expressed interest in expanding its interests in esports, according to FOS. Alongside LIV, PIF has been the majority owner of Premier League side Newcastle United since 2021.
The report follows McMahon, 77, to say he plans to resume the role as chief executive nearly six months after stepping down following allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity. In a press release announcing the move, McMahon, WWE’s controlling shareholder, said his return will help facilitate WWE’s upcoming media rights negotiations, which are expected to be led by President Nick Khan.
A potential deal with PIF would continue WWE’s growing investment in Saudi Arabia as the promotion has hosted events in the country since 2014. 18 through a partnership with the Saudi General Entertainment Authority; Both parties extended the partnership to ’27 the following year.
Outside of PIF, several other bidders could seek to take over WWE in the event of a sale, according to the FOS. These companies include Amazon, Comcast’s NBCUniversal Media, and Fox Corp. – the owners of the media rights deals for “Monday Night Raw” and “Friday Night Smackdown” respectively, UFC parent company Endeavor, Formula 1 owner Liberty Media and global talent agency CAA.
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