WWE Smackdown Returns To USA Network As A New Deal With NBCUniversal
In a seismic shift for the world of professional wrestling, WWE’s iconic “Friday Night SmackDown” is set to make a triumphant return to the USA Network in October 2024. This blockbuster development is the result of an extensive five-year domestic media rights partnership forged between WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, and the media juggernaut NBCUniversal.
Valued at an astonishing average of $287 million annually, the deal boasts an eye-popping total worth exceeding $1.4 billion, according to insiders with knowledge of the matter. WWE’s loyal fans can look forward to the pulse-pounding action and larger-than-life characters that SmackDown has consistently delivered as it heads back to its beloved cable home.
A Groundbreaking Agreement
WWE’s homecoming to the USA Network marks a substantial 40% increase over its previous five-year tenure with Fox, which had an annual value of $205 million. This staggering agreement underlines the enduring popularity and enduring appeal of WWE’s programming, solidifying its position as a heavyweight in the realm of sports entertainment. Notably, WWE’s flagship show, “Raw,” is still awaiting a rights agreement, with negotiations expected to conclude in the coming year.
Stock Prices Take a Hit Amid Exciting News
The announcement of this colossal partnership sent TKO Group Holdings’ stock prices plummeting by more than 12%. Despite this initial market reaction, WWE remains bullish about the long-term potential and advantages of this momentous deal.
Primetime Specials and Synergies
As part of this thrilling partnership, WWE will produce four primetime specials annually, slated to air on NBC starting in the 2024-2025 season. This initiative underscores WWE and NBCUniversal’s shared commitment to delivering top-tier sports entertainment to fans across the nation. The integration of these specials is poised to further enhance NBCUniversal’s programming lineup.
Frances Berwick, the chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, expressed her enthusiasm about continuing the decades-long partnership between NBCU and WWE. She highlighted WWE’s pivotal role in maintaining USA Network’s status as the top-rated cable entertainment network for live viewership. With WWE’s return to Friday nights, primetime specials on NBC, and a dedicated WWE hub on Peacock, NBCUniversal aims to offer an unparalleled entertainment experience to WWE’s passionate fanbase.
A Legacy of Success
This partnership builds upon WWE and NBCUniversal’s enduring collaboration. USA Network is presently the home of WWE NXT and WWE Monday Night Raw, with the latter ranking as the second-highest cable entertainment program in the 18-49 demographic in 2023. The impressive engagement figures for WWE NXT and WWE Monday Night Raw underscore the deeply connected WWE audience on USA Network, with both shows experiencing substantial year-over-year growth in the target demographic.
Peacock, which has been the exclusive home of WWE Network in the U.S. since 2021, continues to thrive. Peacock subscribers can enjoy an extensive library of on-demand WWE content, including original series, documentaries, classic shows from WWE’s archives, and premium live events like WrestleMania, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and more. WWE’s captivating content on Peacock has led to record-breaking usage, with WrestleMania 39’s livestream in April serving as a standout moment, marking Peacock’s highest weekend usage to date.
With “Friday Night SmackDown” roaring back to the USA Network, WWE’s electrifying presence is poised to reach new heights. The monumental partnership between TKO Group Holdings and NBCUniversal not only secures WWE’s future in cable television but also promises to deliver an unmatched entertainment experience to fans. As WWE continues to evolve and innovate, this partnership reaffirms its position as a heavyweight in sports entertainment, ready to enthrall audiences for years to come.
