Exclusive negotiation windows for WWE TV deals have closed

[Chris]

The exclusive WWE TV rights negotiating windows for both Fox and NBCUniversal have closed and the company can now officially solicit interest from the rest of the broadcast & streaming world.

The news was first reported by the New York Post's Andrew Marchand who also included an interesting note about AEW & Warner Bros. Discovery.

The exclusive period began during WrestleMania weekend in April. In late-May, Khan said the window had already closed with Fox while NBCUniversal still had some time.

While he noted incumbents traditionally remain the favorites, sources have indicated that Disney has shown interest but for FX as opposed to ESPN as the latter can't guarantee a specific night of the week due to their rotating slate of games.

Marchand also stated that "Amazon Prime Video will be in talks for WWE, and you can see how it fits in their strategy," given their NFL deal for Thursday night games and bidding for college football's Big Ten conference.

Marchand also noted that he considers both Apple and Warner Bros. Discovery as dark horses candidates due to their NBA pursuits, but "one nugget I was told that may interest wrestling fans is that Warner Bros. Discovery does not have to stay exclusive to AEW. It would be something if it got in on WWE. But I don’t see it yet."

The five-year deals with both NBCUniversal ($265 million/year for Raw) and Fox ($205 million/ year for SmackDown) expire in October 2024. WWE CEO Nick Khan has remained confident in the company getting a rights increase that could be 1.5x of what their current deals are.

https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-tv-rights-negotiating-windows-close-with-nbcuniversal-fox

 

[Canadian Dragon]

very interesting and I will keep an eye out for new in the coming months. Very intrigued to see if they stay on FOX or not especially

 

[Cwalker]

Let the bidding war begin…

Lots of interesting possibilities listed(i.e FX, Amazon)

Should be an interesting few months

 

[Chris]

The NYP headline of the story this article mostly references actually clickbaity says FX is a serious contender

 

[Dale]

Wouldn't be at all surprised if Raw stays where it is and SmackDown more than likely gonna be finding a new home especially if they're wanting a rights increase.

 

[Chris]

I think NBC would break the bank to keep Raw on USA so most likely no change there IMO either but SmackDown is very up in the air

 

[Canadian Dragon]

there is a 0% chance Raw leaves USA imo

 

[Canadian Dragon]

I think NBC would break the bank to keep Raw on USA so most likely no change there IMO either but SmackDown is very up in the air

beat me to it but agreed. NBCUSA literally need RAW and theyll pay up