WWE is without a new deal after its exclusive negotiating window with FOX and Comcast/USA Network has ended, according to a new report from Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.
WWE heads to the open market to find new deals for RAW and SmackDown. The Post noted it’s likely the wrestling promotion re-ups with their current broadcast partners, but there could be other interested parties that make a bid for the TV rights.
Despite that belief, it was noted that Disney is one company interested in airing WWE content. Disney would potentially air RAW and SmackDown on FX, rather than ESPN. The Post noted ESPN can’t guarantee a night of the week for WWE shows due to existing sports content, so FX would make more sense.
It was speculated that Amazon Prime Video could also be a potential candidate to put in a bid, while Warner Bros. Discovery and Apple were mentioned as “dark horse” candidates.
WWE’s current broadcast deals, both five-year deals, expire in October 2024. Comcast currently pays $265 million per year for RAW, while FOX pays $205 million a year for SmackDown.
