WWE SmackDown will leave FOX after signing a deal in 2019 and move to the USA Network in 2024.
FOX CEO Lachlan Murdoch discussed the network’s decision to not renew WWE SmackDown during a FOX earnings conference call. He said,
“I think we’ve talked about this before but how we analyzed the WWE renewal and we look at all of our sports portfolio in the same way… Based on the analysis, (from) an advertising point of view, we were not hitting the advertising numbers due to the audience of WWE to make the return for our return on investment to be above the levels that we would accept. But also, we didn’t attribute enough significant retransmission revenue to the WWE either. So it made sense for us to move on from them. They’ve been a great partner for many years. But just quite simply, we’re very disciplined and the R.O.I. didn’t meet our disciplined parameters so, we wish them luck and we’ve moved on from them.”
On the Q1 2024 Fox Earnings Conference Call, Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch explains why they didn’t renew WWE:
We were not hitting the advertising numbers due to the audience of the WWE to make…to return for our return on investment to be above the levels that we would accept. But… pic.twitter.com/Hbwqf84tr0
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) November 2, 2023
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WWE SmackDown Moves to USA Network in 2024
In a surprising turn of events, WWE SmackDown will be leaving FOX and moving to the USA Network in 2024. This decision comes after FOX CEO Lachlan Murdoch announced during a conference call that the network would not be renewing its contract with WWE SmackDown.
During the conference call, Murdoch explained the reasoning behind this decision. He stated that from an advertising standpoint, FOX was not hitting the numbers they had hoped for with WWE SmackDown. The audience of the show did not generate enough advertising revenue to meet their return on investment expectations. Additionally, the network did not attribute enough significant retransmission revenue to WWE.
Murdoch emphasized that FOX has always been a disciplined company when it comes to making business decisions. In this case, the return on investment for WWE SmackDown did not meet their parameters, leading them to move on from the partnership. However, he also acknowledged that WWE has been a great partner for many years and wished them luck in their future endeavors.
This news has left fans of WWE SmackDown wondering what the future holds for the show. Moving to the USA Network opens up new possibilities and opportunities for the brand. The USA Network is no stranger to WWE programming, as it has been the home of WWE Raw for many years. With both shows now airing on the same network, there is potential for cross-promotion and collaboration between the two brands.
For viewers, this change means they will need to adjust their viewing habits. Instead of tuning in to FOX, they will now have to tune in to the USA Network to catch all the action of WWE SmackDown. It’s important for fans to stay updated on any scheduling changes or adjustments that may occur during the transition.
As with any major change in the wrestling industry, there are bound to be mixed reactions from fans. Some may be disappointed to see WWE SmackDown leave FOX, while others may be excited about the new opportunities that come with the move to the USA Network. Regardless of personal opinions, it’s clear that this decision was made with careful consideration and analysis of the numbers.
In conclusion, WWE SmackDown’s move from FOX to the USA Network in 2024 is a significant development in the wrestling world. The decision was based on the analysis of advertising numbers and return on investment, leading FOX to conclude that it was time to move on from WWE. Fans will now have to adjust their viewing habits and stay tuned for any updates regarding scheduling changes. Only time will tell how this move will impact the future of WWE SmackDown and its relationship with the USA Network.