After months of speculation, it seems that WWE SmackDown will be making its return to NBCUniversal’s USA Network with a blockbuster deal. According to reports, WWE has agreed to a more than $1.4 billion deal that will see SmackDown air on USA Network and streaming service Peacock.
The deal will see SmackDown move from its current home of FOX Sports to USA Network, where it aired from 1999 to 2005. This move means that the WWE’s flagship show will join fellow wrestling program RAW as part of NBCUniversal’s content portfolio.
The deal is set to last for five years and will give NBCUniversal access to both Raw and SmackDown, as well as other WWE programming, including a dedicated channel on Peacock and the company’s pay-per-view events. NBCUniversal’s commitment to WWE programming also includes the formation of a 24-hour WWE channel on the UK’s Sky, as well as robust distribution of its content on other international platforms.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon said in a statement that the deal is a big win for the company, With this groundbreaking multi-platform agreement, we will bring the world of WWE to our viewers in more ways than ever before, further strengthening the incredible staying power of our brand.”
The financial terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed, but it’s safe to say that NBCUniversal has committed a sizable investment into acquiring the rights to air WWE content. With such a massive, multi-year deal, wrestling fans everywhere can expect to see a lot more of their favorite superstars on NBCUniversal’s channels for years to come.