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Saudi Arabia reportedly “in the hunt” to buy WWE but “it’s too early for the deal to be finalized”

Aaron Rift

As previously noted, reports surfaced that WWE was being sold to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund but it was later denied by sources within WWE.

During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com noted that Saudi Arabia is “in the hunt” to buy WWE along with various media companies…

“Nick Khan [WWE President] was in Los Angeles when I was in Los Angeles… one hotel over from me… didn’t know it at the time. Nick Khan went to football game Monday night so he wasn’t on RAW and he met with some heavy hitters because heavy hitters went to the college football championship game. Bob Iger [Chief Executive Officer of Disney], Jimmy Pitaro [President of ESPN], I guess those names will ring some bells. They are looking to sell by the middle of the year. JPMorgan is helping them.”

“There will be a decision made at some point and you know there is definitely smoke to the Saudi Arabia story but it’s early. It’s too early for the deal to be finalized.”

Cultaholic.com noted the following regarding WWE and JPMorgan…

“There does appear to be some smoke to the fire in regards to the PIF as a potential bidder for WWE, though. According to sources, JPMorgan were hired by WWE to advise on a sale because they are the only United States-based financial institution with two operating licenses in Saudi Arabia.”

The following is stated on JPMorgan.com…

“We are the only U.S.-headquartered financial institution with two operating licenses in Saudi Arabia, providing access to a comprehensive range of products and global banking capabilities for clients in the country. We are regulated by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority and the Capital Market Authority.”