WWE ABOUT TO SELL

CNBC's Alex Sherman reports that WWE has hired JPMorgan to advise on a potential sale. The report states that a deal "would likely happen before mid-2023," around the time TV rights negotiations for WWE would take place. WWE's media rights agreements with WWE RAW on USA Network and WWE SmackDown on Fox expire in 2024.

 The report reads, "WWE plans to speak with potential buyers before making a decision on TV rights renewal agreements."

 Vince McMahon officially returned to the WWE board of directors on Friday. In a press release released on Thursday, McMahon said, "My return will allow WWE, as well as any other party to the transaction, to engage in these processes knowing that they will have the support of the controlling shareholder."

 McMahon retired as CEO on July 22, 2022 amid allegations of sexual misconduct and bribery. A board investigation into McMahon was closed in November.

 The report lists Comcast, Fox, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, Amazon, Endeavor and Liberty Media as potential buyers. WWE shares hit their highest since 2019 on Friday amid reports of a potential sale.