For the last few months, debates have been going around the next home for the WWE RAW TV program as their current deal with the USA network was about to end in 2024. With the recent announcement by WWE through X, the debate has settled as the war among Warner Bros, Disney, Amazon, and Netflix comes to an end.
More details were unveiled today that tell us how WWE’s business is on the rise in recent times. We also get to know how the deal is beneficial for both parties, financially and strategically.
More details about WWE-Netflix mutually beneficial deal
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After WWE announced the deal on social media, CNBC reported more details about the deal on January 23rd. Netflix and TKO Group Holdings revealed that RAW will begin to air WWE’s flagship show starting next year as Netflix looks forward to streaming Live sports. The 10-year deal is valued at over $5 Billion, as per a reliable source within. While the previous deal with USA network fetched $240 million per year for RAW, the new deal provides a nearly 110% increment in the revenue.
Netflix will also have access to WWE’s award-winning documentaries, original series and forthcoming projects internationally beginning in 2025. However, WWE Network and WrestleMania will remain on Peacock for $200 million annually till March, 2026 (as per Andrew Marchand).
The deal helps both companies as Netflix is trying a different revenue strategy away from its subscription-based model. This will help them cut down costs on subscription sharing to drive revenue as they earn more from ad-based model. They have tried their hands on Live sports streaming before, but never struck a long deal before.
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The deal will also help WWE and TKO as they will gain immediate access to Netflix’s audience of 250 milllion global subscribers. The same goes for Netflix as RAW draws over 17.5 million unique users globally. It also adds brand value to WWE on a global scale as Netflix is renowned company in online streaming globally. Also, shifting WWE Network and WrestleMania away from Peacock would fetch WWE more than $200 million.
The deal also helps WWE indirectly. SmackDown show will shift to the USA network (from FOX) in October 2024 with a deal worth $1.4 billion for 5 years, which is 40% more than what Fox paid in 2019. For WWE, it creates an opportunity to transition into online streaming industry and gain access to Netflix Creative & Production team as Netflix will develop special WWE documentaries. Hence, it’s a win-win situation for both parties.
Are you excited by the news?
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