WWE SmackDown is officially back to the USA network after a gap of four years.
SmackDown has been with Fox since 2019 but their partnership is set to come to an end in 2024.
There were many broadcasters vying to land SmackDown but WWE have decided to return back to the USA network.
The current deal between WWE and Fox for SmackDown is worth $1 billion and is set to run out next year in September.
Nick Khan, WWE President on success of the deal said:
“NBCUniversal has been a tremendous partner of WWE for decades,” “We are excited to extend this long standing relationship by bringing SmackDown to USA Network on Friday nights and look forward to debuting multiple WWE special events annually on NBC.”
Frances Berwick, Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment added:
“It’s a privilege and thrill to continue NBCU’s decades-long partnership with WWE, which has helped cement USA Network’s consistent position as the top-rated cable entertainment network in live viewership. With Friday nights in the USA, primetime specials on NBC, and the WWE hub on Peacock, we’ll continue to use the power of our portfolio to super-serve this passionate fanbase.”
WWE and USA Network share a big history
USA Network and WWE have shared a long history with Monday Night Raw having originally been on USA Network from 1993 to 2000.
Then Raw made its comeback on the platform in 2005 after a stint on TNN/Spike TV, and it has aired on USA Network ever since.
According to the reports, WWE will also produce four yearly primetime specials that will air on NBC beginning during the 2024-25 broadcast season.
With Smackdown’s return to USA Network, it is surely a big signal towards developments of future broadcasting deals after the merger of UFC and WWE.
The numbers of the deal is yet to be disclosed but WWE have received a big boost from the previous deal with Fox.
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