Report: JPMorgan hired to help lead WWE sale talks

With the company considering a potential sale, WWE has reportedly hired a bank to help assist with the process.

“WWE has hired JPMorgan to help the company advise on a potential sale, according to people familiar with the matter. JPMorgan declined to comment. A WWE spokesman couldn’t immediately be reached for comment,” CNBC reported.

“If a deal occurs, it would likely occur in the next three to six months, said the people, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private. WWE plans to talk to potential buyers before it makes a decision on TV rights renewal agreements.”

It was revealed this Thursday that Vince McMahon was returning to WWE and naming himself back to WWE’s board of directors to pursue a potential sale of the company. McMahon also named former WWE co-presidents George Barrios and Michelle Wilson back to the board.

The Wall Street Journal reported that McMahon communicated to the board of directors that, “unless he has direct involvement as executive chairman from the outset of a strategic review, he won’t support or approve any media-rights deal or sale.”

McMahon’s return to WWE comes less than six months after he retired amid a sexual misconduct scandal. Despite retiring, McMahon remained WWE’s majority shareholder.

WWE employees have been told that McMahon’s return won’t change the day-to-day operations of the company. They were also told that there will not be any changes to WWE’s management team or their responsibilities. That includes the roles held by Stephanie McMahon, Nick Khan, and Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

Front Office Sports reported on Friday that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund “is emerging as a possible bidder for WWE if the promotion puts itself up for sale.” Amazon, Comcast/NBCUniversal, Fox, Endeavor, Liberty Media, and talent agency CAA were also listed as potential suitors by Front Office Sports.