Talks with “lots of cable networks” are underway to find a new television home for WWE.
WWE’s cable television deals with NBC Universal and FOX are set to expire at the end of the year and it is being reported that the company’s new owners may provide extra leverage in negotiating a top deal to broadcast their weekly television shows, RAW and SmackDown.
The recently announced acquisition of WWE by Endeavor has increased the sports entertainment giant’s appeal to broadcasters more than ever. As a result of the agreement, WWE will receive a major infusion of funding and marketing support.
The timing of the agreement for WWE couldn’t have been better, as the company was preparing to negotiate TV rights deals with Fox and USA Network before their current contracts with those networks expire in 2024.
The WWE and “plenty” of cable networks have reportedly resumed conversations about future projects, according to a report from PWInsider Elite, however it has not been specified if they are in-ring or extra-ring enterprises.
With the proposed Endeavor transaction, the article indicates that WWE is seeking even greater market penetration for its brand. According to the source, WWE is reportedly open to negotiations about prospective ventures on as many cable networks as feasible. Of course, though, money talks, and it has been claimed that WWE would also consider this proposal if someone were willing to pay for exclusivity on their networks, as was the case in the past with NBC Universal holding all of the broadcast rights for WWE programming.
American audiences, where would you like to see RAW and SmackDown end up? Is it important to you that SmackDown stay on broadcast television? Share your thoughts on these questions and more in the comment section below.
