Backstage discussions about a potential TNA sale to WWE have resurfaced, particularly in light of Anthem Sports & Entertainment’s recent internal changes. Tommy Dreamer and Tessa Blanchard departed as a result of a ‘workforce reduction’ which TNA revealed in recent days. Rumors of a potential restructure ahead of a sale were further fueled by Sami Callihan’s departure from the company.
Len Asper has reportedly set a minimum price of $30 million for any prospective TNA deal, preferably between $40 and $50 million. The new television agreement with AMC would be the primary driver of that valuation, but Anthem’s debt would also play a role.
TNA On WWE’s Wishlist?
Dave Meltzer discussed the topic on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, stating that WWE could purchase TNA if it truly wanted to, but he does not anticipate the company having to pay a significant price.
“TNA’s lost a lot of money, and I guess the Aspers, they want a way to sell it and make their money back. That’s basically it.”
Additionally, Meltzer likened the circumstances to WWE’s recent acquisition of AAA, which was carried out in collaboration with the Mexican business Filip.
“WWE can get it anytime they want it, but I don’t know. WWE, they usually don’t spend a lot of money to buy companies. They spent nothing to buy WCW. AAA, the company in Mexico, Filip, that company there spent most of the money and WWE just kind of… they’re gonna get it, but they didn’t spend as much as people think to get AAA.”
Meltzer added that in any prospective agreement with TNA, WWE would have the right of first refusal.
“They can get TNA, but I don’t expect them to pay big money to get TNA. I’m not sure exactly the way that contract works out. I don’t know if they could sell to someone other than WWE. WWE certainly would have the right of first refusal on a deal, so there’s a lot of interesting things going around.”
There is currently no sign that a sale is about to happen. However, the situation will continue to be constantly monitored because the WWE-TNA alliance is still in effect and the AMC deal affects the company’s price.
