So, you've probably seen the headlines or heard the whispers: MSNBC is on the block. Or is it? Honestly, the answer is a bit more complicated than a simple price tag on a "For Sale" sign. If you’re looking for a single number to answer how much is MSNBC for sale for, you won’t find it in a typical press release. That’s because Comcast didn't just put the network on eBay; they executed a massive, multi-billion dollar corporate divorce.
The short version? MSNBC—now technically rebranded as MS NOW—isn't being sold to a single billionaire like Elon Musk (despite the Twitter rumors). Instead, it’s part of a $7 billion spinoff.
The $7 Billion "SpinCo" Reality
In late 2024, Comcast made a move that shocked the media world. They decided to take their "legacy" cable assets—the stuff that isn't growing as fast as streaming—and shove them into a new, independent company. For a while, everyone just called it "SpinCo." By early 2026, it officially became Versant Media Group.
When we talk about the value, we have to look at the whole bucket. This new company, Versant, houses:
- MS NOW (the channel formerly known as MSNBC)
- CNBC
- USA Network
- Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel
- Digital properties like Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes
Comcast stated that these assets collectively generated roughly $7 billion in annual revenue. That is a massive chunk of change. However, revenue isn't the same as a sale price.
Why the Price Tag is Moving
Investors have been a bit skittish. When Versant (ticker: VSNT) hit the Nasdaq in January 2026, the stock didn't exactly rocket to the moon. It actually plunged about 13% on its first day, closing around $40.57. By the end of the first week of trading, the market value of the entire company had dropped by 25%.
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Basically, the market is trying to figure out what a "cable-only" company is actually worth in an era where everyone is canceling their subscriptions. If you tried to buy just the news division today, you’d likely be looking at a valuation in the low billions, but the "baggage" of declining cable subscribers makes it a tough sell.
MS NOW: The New Name, The New Vibe
You might have noticed I keep calling it MS NOW. That’s not a typo. As part of the separation from NBCUniversal, the network had to ditch the "NBC" branding. On November 15, 2025, it officially rebranded. The "MS" now stands for "My Source" (News, Opinion, and the World).
This wasn't just a name change. They actually moved out of the iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza. They’re now headquartered at 229 West 43rd Street in Times Square. It’s a clean break. They have their own newsgathering staff now, separate from the NBC News team that used to feed them reports.
Is Someone Like Elon Musk Actually Buying It?
Twitter—or X, whatever we're calling it this week—went wild with rumors that Elon Musk or Joe Rogan were going to swoop in and buy the network to "balance" the political leaning.
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Here’s the reality: No one has bought it yet. Comcast didn't sell it to a person; they gave it to their own shareholders. If you owned Comcast stock in December 2025, you woke up in January 2026 owning a piece of Versant. While a billionaire could theoretically launch a hostile takeover and buy up enough shares to control it, the company’s dual-class share structure makes that incredibly difficult.
The Bottom Line on the Value
If you're still asking how much is MSNBC for sale for because you're curious about its standalone worth, analysts have historically pegged the news assets (MSNBC and CNBC combined) as the crown jewels of the spinoff. Even with the stock market turmoil, these two channels are "cash cows."
- Projected EBITDA: Versant expects to pull in between $1.85 billion and $2 billion in 2026.
- Debt Load: The new company started with about $2.75 billion in debt.
- Market Cap: As of mid-January 2026, the total market value of the company is hovering around $10 billion to $11 billion, though it's been volatile.
So, if you wanted to buy the whole company—MSNBC, CNBC, USA, and the rest—you’d probably need at least $12 to $15 billion to even get a seat at the table, considering you'd have to pay a premium over the current stock price.
What Happens Next?
The "for sale" sign isn't officially up, but being an independent company makes MSNBC (MS NOW) a much easier target for an acquisition than it was when it was tucked inside the giant Comcast umbrella.
If you're watching this as an investor or just a fan of the show, keep an eye on the VSNT stock price. If it continues to slide, a bigger media player—or a very wealthy individual—might decide that the "My Source" news brand is too cheap to pass up.
For now, the best way to track the "price" is to watch the daily ticker. The era of MSNBC being a protected part of a telecom giant is over. It's out in the wild now, and its value is being decided by the market every single day at 9:30 AM when the bell rings.
Actionable Insights:
- Track the Ticker: Follow VSNT on the Nasdaq to see the real-time valuation of the network's parent company.
- Watch the Rebrand: Look for how MS NOW changes its programming now that it lacks the "NBC News" resource pool; this will impact its long-term value.
- Ignore the Rumors: Unless you see an SEC filing regarding a "Schedule 13D," ignore the social media posts about private individuals buying the network.