Change is in the air for WWE Raw.
On September 21st it was announced that WWE SmackDown will be leaving FOX in October 2024. A blockbuster new five-year deal will see the blue brand move back to the USA Network for the first time in 2019.
SmackDown will move “exclusively” to NBCU, with WWE producing four primetime specials to air on NBC.
Interestingly, it’s been reported that the move could have huge ramifications for Raw and NXT which already air on USA.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Raw and NXT will leave USA.
“The new deal will bring WWE to NBC primetime and SmackDown to USA on Friday nights, it will also mean the end of Raw and NXT on USA.”
The report adds that some “unexpected players” are interested in the deal.
“A source familiar with the Raw discussions tell The Hollywood Reporter that the market for the program is “extremely active,” with traditional linear networks, streaming services and “unexpected players” all interested.”
In the days following, Sports Business Journal have reported that WWE RAW could be moved away from Monday nights for the first time in history!
WWE Lands Monster Deal For SmackDown
Although there’s been no word on how much the new deal for SmackDown is for, it’s reportedly worth well over $1 billion. According to the Wall Street Journal, via Brandon Thurston, WWE stands to make $280 per year over five years, compared to the $205 they received from FOX.
This is an increase of roughly 40%, with the deal worth a total of $1.4 billion.