WWE’s programming rights for Raw, NXT, and SmackDown will expire next year. Currently, Raw and NXT have deals with the USA Network, while SmackDown airs on FOX. WWE will be leaving FOX and has signed a five-year agreement to bring SmackDown back to the USA Network.
This move will take effect in October 2024 and will keep the blue brand on the network until 2029. As previously reported, because SmackDown is returning to the USA, the network isn’t expected to renew the rights to Raw and NXT. However, that doesn’t completely rule them out if they can get a deal they like, considering the long-standing relationship between the two companies.
While speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted the latest rumored television networks interested in picking up Raw’s broadcasting rights.
“They’re doing their earnings report tomorrow [Tuesday], by the way, and it should be noted that as far as the rumors of Raw, it looks the rumor mill right now has either FX, WB [Warner Bros. Discovery, which would be a very crazy situation. But I think it’s a long shot, too, and USA. But the analysts believe that they’re going to get a 42% increase, which may not drop the stock because it’s down lower than it probably should be. But it won’t help them. But they will be more profitable. The UFC and WWE earnings report will be out tomorrow,” Meltzer stated.
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