While WWE’s current television contract with NBC and USA Network does not expire until 2019, the company is currently in early talks with several networks and streaming platforms in regards to a potential new home for RAW and SmackDown, according to this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported that Fox Sports 1 recently contacted WWE in regards to being interested in a potential television deal as a backup plan in case they lose out on the UFC license when their current deal expires. A potential downside is that FS1 is currently in less homes nationwide than the USA Network which likely would result in a decline in average weekly viewership. USA Network is currently available in almost 92 million homes in the United States while FS1 is available in a little over 84 million homes.
Meltzer also reported that FS1’s interest in WWE programming is entirely dependent on the status of UFC programing. If FS1 gets a new television deal done with UFC, WWE’s value for the network takes a huge hit and FS1 might no longer be interested. CBS, Disney, and FOX were also reported to be in talks with WWE.
WWE is also reported to be in talks with YouTube and Amazon as a possible new home for WWE programming if they get a strong offer or are unable to get the deals they want from television networks.
NBC Universal (the parent company of USA Network) currently holds exclusive negotiating rights with WWE in regards to a potential new television deal until spring 2018.
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