As we previously reported here on eWn, WWE recently signed a new television rights deal for SmackDown that will see the show return to the USA Network starting with the 2024/2025 season.
Fightful Select is reporting that NBCUniversal was eager to acquire the rights to SmackDown, as it’s been viewed as WWE’s top show in terms of viewership and being “football proof” as it pertains to ratings.
According to sources at Warner Bros. Discovery, the network expects NCBU/USA Network to also bid for the TV rights to the NBA.
If NBCUniversal acquires the rights to the NBA, it will most likely affect the budget that could exist for new TV rights deals for RAW and WWE NXT.
The NBA is expecting to receive a major increase in their TV rights in 2025 and 2026.
Now, if Warner Bros. Discovery lost the NBA, it would most definitely affect its future budget. The network giant is extremely happy with its relationship with AEW and looks to have it continue.
Warner Bros. Discovery is said to have anticipated everything that’s happened with AEW’s ratings, especially in terms of Collision competing with college football during the fall.
AEW and WBD are yet to sign a new deal as of a few weeks ago that will include the AEW TV rights, pay-per-view events, and the library.
AEW President Tony Khan is said to have a “particular value” that he believes the AEW library is worth.
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WWE Signs New Television Rights Deal for SmackDown with USA Network
In a recent development, WWE has signed a new television rights deal for its popular show, SmackDown. The deal will see the show return to the USA Network starting from the 2024/2025 season. This news comes as a significant move for WWE, as SmackDown is considered their top show in terms of viewership and has been deemed “football proof” in relation to ratings.
According to reports from Fightful Select, NBCUniversal, the parent company of the USA Network, was eager to acquire the rights to SmackDown. The show’s consistent viewership and resilience against competition from football games made it an attractive asset for NBCUniversal.
Interestingly, sources at Warner Bros. Discovery have revealed that NBCUniversal is also expected to bid for the television rights to the NBA. If NBCUniversal secures the rights to the NBA, it could potentially impact the budget available for new TV rights deals for WWE’s flagship shows, RAW and WWE NXT.
The NBA is projected to receive a substantial increase in their TV rights in 2025 and 2026. Losing the NBA rights would have a significant impact on Warner Bros. Discovery’s future budget. However, the network remains optimistic about its relationship with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and aims to continue their partnership.
Warner Bros. Discovery has been closely monitoring AEW’s ratings, particularly in terms of competing with college football during the fall season. Despite the challenges, AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery have yet to sign a new deal that includes AEW TV rights, pay-per-view events, and the library.
AEW President Tony Khan places high value on the AEW library and believes it holds significant worth. Negotiations are ongoing to secure a deal that satisfies both parties involved.
As fans eagerly await further updates on these television rights deals, eWrestlingNews.com remains a reliable source for all wrestling news. You can also follow them on their Twitter and Facebook pages to stay up to date with the latest developments.
In conclusion, WWE’s new television rights deal for SmackDown with the USA Network marks an important milestone for the company. The bidding war for TV rights, including the NBA, has the potential to reshape the landscape of sports entertainment. Fans and industry insiders will be closely watching as these negotiations unfold.