Netflix has made a groundbreaking deal with WWE that will bring their flagship wrestling show, “Monday Night Raw,” exclusively to the streaming platform from January 2025 onwards. This marks a significant shift in the show’s three-decade-long history, as it will no longer air new episodes on traditional linear television networks.
The deal, valued at a minimum of $400 million per year, is expected to run for over five years. This surpasses WWE’s current agreement with NBCUniversal, which is worth approximately $250-260 million annually for “Raw.” Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, expressed excitement about having WWE Raw on the platform, emphasizing that combining Netflix’s reach, recommendations, and fandom with WWE will bring more joy and value to both audiences and members. Bajaria described “Raw” as the pinnacle of sports entertainment, offering a blend of great characters, storytelling, and live action throughout the year.
Until October 2024, “Raw” will continue to air on the USA Network, as per WWE’s existing deal with NBCUniversal. The specific broadcasting arrangements after that period are yet to be determined.
Under this new agreement, Netflix will become the exclusive home of “Raw” in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Latin America, and other territories. The streaming giant will also become the television home for all WWE shows outside the U.S., which includes “SmackDown” and “NXT,” as well as major events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and the Royal Rumble. Additionally, Netflix will feature WWE documentaries, original series, and other special projects.
WWE President Nick Khan expressed confidence in Netflix’s storytelling capabilities, highlighting the streaming platform’s remarkable track record in this regard. Khan believes that Netflix, being one of the world’s leading entertainment brands, is the perfect long-term partner for “Raw,” given its dedicated and ever-growing fan base. Mark Shapiro, President, and COO of WWE parent company TKO, described the deal as transformative, stating that it brings together WWE’s unparalleled product with Netflix’s global reach while ensuring consistent and significant economic benefits for many years to come. This partnership not only strengthens WWE’s position in the media landscape but also expands the reach of their content, ultimately making “Raw” a live appointment-viewing experience on Netflix.
This deal concludes WWE’s latest round of TV rights agreements. Previously, the rights to “SmackDown” were sold to NBCUniversal and USA Network in a $1.4 billion deal spanning five years, while “NXT” moved from USA Network to The CW in a separate arrangement valued at $20 million-$25 million annually over the same duration.
For Netflix, acquiring the rights to “Raw” represents a significant step toward expanding its live programming. Although the streaming platform has dipped its toes in livestreaming with events such as “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage” and the “Love Is Blind” reunion special, securing a weekly year-round live program like “Raw” is crucial. As competitors like Amazon and Peacock have already secured exclusive rights to live sports programs, Netflix’s move into this realm of content is both strategic and necessary for the streaming pioneer.
This groundbreaking partnership between Netflix and WWE paves the way for thrilling times ahead for wrestling fans worldwide. With the global audience of Netflix and the enduring popularity of “Raw,” this collaboration promises to deliver electrifying entertainment in the years to come.
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