The future of WWE may soon be influenced by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority as speculation grows about a potential bid for the wrestling promotion. Since its partnership with Saudi Arabia began in 2018, WWE has faced significant criticism, including accusations of accepting “blood money” and facilitating government propaganda. Despite these concerns, the relationship has flourished, leading to speculations about a possible sale of WWE to Saudi Arabia.
When WWE initiated its partnership with Saudi Arabia in 2018, it was reported that the organization would earn around $50 million per event, leading to an estimated $1 billion over the course of the ten-year deal. This lucrative arrangement was particularly appealing at a time when WWE’s television contracts with NBC Universal and Fox generated approximately $470 million annually.
However, complications arose shortly after the first Crown Jewel event in 2019, when a WWE charter plane was unexpectedly grounded at King Fahd International Airport. Officially, mechanical issues were cited as the reason, but the presence of Saudi military police raised questions about the true circumstances behind the incident. This led to WWE altering their programming, featuring NXT and women’s talent, who had only recently participated in their first match at Crown Jewel.
As the partnership evolved, WWE secured regular pay-per-view events in Saudi Arabia, including the Royal Rumble in 2026 and WrestleMania 43 in 2027. Although the specific financial details for these upcoming events remain undisclosed, industry insiders suggest the figures could reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
The arrival of Nick Khan at WWE in August 2020 prompted speculation that he may have been recruited to facilitate a future sale of the company. In April 2023, WWE merged with UFC under the Endeavor Group Holdings umbrella. This merger has led to renewed discussions regarding a possible acquisition of WWE by Saudi authorities, particularly given the significant financial backing available to the kingdom.
A sale of WWE to Saudi Arabia could have profound implications for the wrestling industry, potentially altering the landscape more dramatically than the fall of WCW and ECW 25 years ago. While criticism of WWE’s collaboration with Saudi Arabia has persisted, it has somewhat subsided in recent years. However, a sale to Saudi Arabia would likely reignite these concerns and lead to intensified scrutiny.
If such a deal were to occur, the new ownership would face the challenge of replacing current executives, including Nick Khan and Paul Levesque. Levesque, also known as Triple H, was notably chosen by Vince McMahon for his creative vision. Changes in ownership and creative direction have historically troubled wrestling promotions, raising questions about who might fill Levesque’s role in the future, especially given his reported health issues.
The potential for a sale to Saudi Arabia creates a complex environment for WWE. A combination of creative uncertainty, backlash against new ownership, and an inevitable downturn in business could present significant challenges for the organization. While Saudi financial resources are virtually limitless, the quality of content relies on more than just money.
WWE has successfully navigated its transition to Endeavor, primarily because key corporate and creative personnel remained in place. Should a sale to Saudi Arabia occur, it could signify a pivotal moment for WWE, potentially marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in the history of professional wrestling.
