The 58-year-old Zucker is among the contenders to buy the ratings-challenged network, insiders say — despite the fact that he was ousted from the company more than a year and a half ago over his undisclosed relationship with former CNN flack Allison Gollust.

Sources say Zucker sees a big opportunity at CNN ahead of the 2024 presidential election after ex-CEO Chris Licht's strategy to revamp the network's programming to appeal to a more centrist audience flopped, sending ratings and ad revenue tumbling.

"Jeff is likely going to make a bid this fall to purchase," said a source with knowledge.

People who know Zucker add that buying and running CNN again would be the exec's "ultimate revenge" after his untimely exit from the network early last year, in which he was also accused of overly cozy ties with disgraced former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

"I wouldn't count Zucker out," said a friend of the exec, noting that the seasoned TV mogul "holds a grudge" and will find a way to "be back on top."

Nevertheless, insiders say it's also not clear what's going on inside the head of Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, who has taken responsibility for Licht's push of CNN toward the center of US politics — a controversial pivot that also had the backing of billionaire board member John Malone.

Indeed, a possible scenario could be that Zaslav decides to keep CNN while shopping for still other news networks.

One possible deal recently floated in media circles involves a merger between NBCUniversal parent Comcast and Paramount.

The two companies reportedly had been in talks in 2021.

If that merger happens sooner or later, Comcast would likely be forced to get rid of CBS News due to antitrust violations.