Details On ‘Definite Interest’ From Saudi Arabia In Buying WWE

WWE

A recent report has revealed that there’s “definite interest” from Saudi Arabia in the purchase of WWE as they seek market-leading opportunities.

In the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required), Dave Meltzer wrote:

“We know someone involved on the Saudi side about the sale this past week and there is definite interest.

“It’s not considered as important as Formula 1, which they wanted but doesn’t look like they can get, or LIV Golf.

“But they are looking for properties that they can get to either No. 1 in their market, or in the case of their soccer investments, they want their league to be top five and have interest already in one team in the EPL (the highest profile league in the world’s most popular sport) and have interest in something with Manchester United (the highest profile team in the world).

“What they want are franchises that have a worldwide fan base, preferably big in the U.S., and they are not looking at them for revenue or profitability, but to bring publicity to their country and normalize the world views of their country.

“It’s completely different from Endeavor or any other purchaser’s goal would be, which would be to buy the company based on it being able to turn gigantic profits.

A Saudi purchase could change the salary structure more as it has with the top golf pros who left the PGA tour. But as far as bidding for talent, it could totally change the game.

If someone else gets it, you would expect far more changes and a budget based on maximizing profits.

It’s what’s being called sportswashing, where you bring in high profile sports events to the country and own major franchises with the idea that people think you are a big part of the accepted sports world and it washes away the stench of human rights differences and violations.

Even for people like Tony Khan or Endeavor, while they could raise a lot of money, they would be looking at it as a business acquisition and not a publicity arm where making money long-term on the deal is the goal.

That goes the same for media companies. While those in WWE have told me they prefer to sell to a media company, most stories indicate media companies aren’t looking for that level of a purchase because of uncertainty over the future changes in consumption.”

Sami Zayn recently addressed his plans in the light of a potential WWE sale to a Saudi Arabia party.

Zayn notably hasn’t competed in any WWE Saudi Arabia events since the partnership began in 2014 due to his Syrian descent.

Think you’re a wrestling mastermind? Well you can prove it by taking quizzes in our brand new quiz section! Don’t forget to tweet us your results!

• wwe sale
• saudi arabia
• wwe

Share this article with friends