AEW President Tony Khan Tried To Purchase WWE In 2023

Tony Khan's $7 Billion WWE Bid: A Missed Opportunity or Bullet Dodged for Pro Wrestling?

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:39am

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In a stunning revelation, unredacted court documents have revealed that AEW President Tony Khan made a bid of approximately $6.9 billion to purchase WWE in 2023, before Endeavor ultimately acquired the company and formed TKO. This aggressive move, made through his company Base 10, underscores Khan's ambition and the potential for a dramatically different landscape in professional wrestling.

Why it matters

WWE remains the dominant force in professional wrestling, a globally recognized brand with a massive reach. Acquiring WWE would have instantly elevated Tony Khan to the most powerful position in the industry and added a valuable asset to the Khan family's portfolio. However, maintaining a competitive landscape is vital for the health of the industry, as a single dominant force can stifle creativity and limit opportunities for wrestlers.

The details

The sale of WWE attracted several high-profile bidders, including Liberty Media and KKR, alongside Khan's Base 10 and eventual winner Endeavor. Documents clearly establish the connection between Base 10 and All Elite Wrestling, noting that a merger would have created 'significant synergies'. Florida business records confirm Tony Khan as the sole officer of BASE10, Inc., with the company's address linked to the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium – a testament to the Khan family's extensive sports holdings.

  • In 2023, Tony Khan made a bid of approximately $6.9 billion to purchase WWE.

The players

Tony Khan

The President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and the sole officer of BASE10, Inc., a company through which he made a bid to purchase WWE.

Shahid Khan

Tony Khan's father, who owns the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team.

Endeavor

The company that ultimately acquired WWE and formed TKO.

Liberty Media

One of the high-profile bidders for the sale of WWE.

KKR

One of the high-profile bidders for the sale of WWE.

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The takeaway

The Khan family's interest in acquiring WWE underscores their ambition and the potential for a dramatically different landscape in professional wrestling. While the acquisition would have given Tony Khan immediate control, maintaining a competitive landscape is crucial for the health of the industry. AEW's emergence as a viable competitor has already begun to address these issues, providing wrestlers with more options and driving innovation.