Variety.com has posted a new article claiming that WWE is close to signing a new deal with NBCUniversal that would keep Monday Night Raw on the USA Network, and Smackdown on SyFy. A final decision could be made and announced later today as NBC hosts its 2014 Television Upfront event, which will cover their massive multi-network line-up going forward.
The new Variety article also confirms rumors that WWE is considering moving Smackdown to a live format to boost their worth for the impending deal. The show currently airs on Friday nights after a Tuesday night taping event, so either WWE would have to re-schedule their weekly format, or we could be looking at a two night block of live wrestling television.
For those wondering, there are no talks of Smackdown becoming a WWE Network exclusive show, as this would actually hurt their chances of getting a better television contract.
When a new deal is officially signed, the current expectation is that WWE will more than double their money in licensing fees as the value of live television and sports have increased by an enormous amount since the last negotiation.
