In a major development, WWE RAW’s next TV deal is causing a lot of speculation surrounding its potential broadcast partner. With SmackDown and NXT already securing new network homes, the focus now shifts to RAW’s long-time home and the rumors surrounding its future.
Recent reports from Haus of Wrestling had indicated intensified discussions between WWE and WBD, stirring anticipation for RAW’s upcoming TV rights renewal. This can have potential implications for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), currently under the WBD umbrella, housing Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision.
According to a Sports Business Journalism report, Amazon is a likely contender to secure the rights to WWE’s flagship show. If this forecast materializes, RAW could make a groundbreaking move behind Amazon Prime’s streaming paywall. This will mark its departure from the traditional cable television platform.
The report further suggests that Amazon might keep airing WWE RAW on Monday nights. They could have live shows in various cities every week. This plan fits with Amazon Prime’s goal of attracting younger male audiences. It also gives Prime Video more live content on Mondays, which complements their existing Thursday Night Football programming.
The shift from cable TV to a streaming service is a significant development in wrestling TV rights. The same report also suggests this change might happen if WWE can’t gather sufficient funds from other interested parties to renew RAW’s rights.
However, the report also claims a lucrative deal is on the horizon, pointing to a promising future for WWE’s flagship show.
While WWE has already inked new agreements for SmackDown on the USA Network and NXT on the CW Network, RAW’s TV rights are up next.
When is WWE RAW’s USA Network deal expiring?
WWE RAW’s USA Network deal is set to expire in October 2024. The longstanding partnership traces back to the flagship program RAW in 1993. Although RAW briefly moved to TNN in 2000, it returned to USA Network in 2005. In 2018, USA Network renewed RAW rights for an additional five years, securing its presence until 2024.
As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, the end of the USA Network deal raises expectations of a possible change in WWE’s Red Brand broadcast alliances.
