Update on WWE & TNA’s Partnership Deal & Talks for Potential New TNA Owner – WWE Reportedly Holds First Rights for Potential TNA Purchase

As noted before, TNA Wrestling is currently seeking a new media rights deal for around $10 million per year and has been in recent talks with A&E and The CW for the potential new broadcast homes for the company. Former UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta is currently rumored to be involved in potential sale talks for TNA.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that WWE’s partnership deal with TNA includes them having the option to purchase TNA for a specific length of time. WWE reportedly also has the right of first refusal if TNA were to find a new buyer elsewhere.

No other details were given regarding the terms of a potential buying price nor for how long this purchase option lasts.

Meltzer reported that this option is similar to other partnership deals WWE had with several European indies such as wXw, Over The Top Wrestling, and PROGRESS Wrestling several years ago. Revolution Pro Wrestling reportedly was offered the same deal from WWE but declined it over this option.

In regards to the rumors of former UFC owner Fertitta being interested in potentially buying TNA, Meltzer reported that this is not a done deal at the moment. Fertitta has a long-time friendship with current UFC President Dana White.

Meltzer also reported that any entity or person that would buy TNA would do so with the idea of being friendly with WWE and not with the idea of them being competition or an enemy. Meltzer reported that should TNA get a new media rights deal, the company would go from being a monsy loser to a turnkey profitable company. Meltzer also reported that if this potential new owner is not friendly to WWE, then they are not going to get TNA.