TNA Wrestling is aiming to secure a new media rights deal that would facilitate the company broadcasting its flagship show live on a weekly basis. Anthem Sports Group President Carlos Silva stated that the promotion’s increased visibility, stemming from a recent partnership with WWE, has created the perfect opportunity to pursue growth.
TNA’s Goal: Live Weekly Programming
Speaking to JohnWallStreet.com, Silva explained how a new deal would fundamentally change TNA’s production model. He also outlined the viewership numbers he believes are achievable on a larger platform.
“A new media rights deal would provide us the opportunity to go live 52 weeks a year, and in today’s world live matters,” Silva said. “Usually when we’re live, we’re doing around 100,000 household viewers. A weekly number between 250,000–500,000, in terms of Nielsen-esque P2+ households, is perfectly realistic on a network in 40 or 50 million homes.”
Silva confirmed the financial target they are seeking, stating, “Something in the $10mm/year range is where we think we should be.” He also noted that discussions are ongoing with a variety of potential partners. “We’re talking to [all the established] linear guys and a couple of newer platforms that need a foundational [programming] centerpiece.”
The push comes after TNA has been featured on WWE programming, a result of TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace appearing in the WWE Royal Rumble and competing on the NXT brand. Silva commented on the benefits of the collaboration.
“We are [regularly] being featured on every major WWE and NXT platform — PLEs as well as weekly programming on The CW and their other [broadcast] outlets like Peacock,” Silva stated. “This [has resulted in] a huge [television] audience lift for [us], along with all the social media support we get from [them].”
This strategy aligns with reports from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, who noted in January that WWE is supportive of TNA filling international media rights slots that WWE vacated after its deal with Netflix. Meltzer also reported that some within the industry believe WWE could eventually acquire TNA Wrestling.
TNA’s next major event is Slammiversary on Sunday, July 20, at the UBS Arena in Long Island, New York. As of July 5, WrestleTix reported 3,510 tickets had been distributed for the show. The main event will see TNA World Champion Moose defend his title against Josh Alexander, who had to vacate the same championship due to injury over 450 days prior. Also scheduled is a match for the TNA X-Division Championship between Mustafa Ali and challenger Ace Austin.
