WWE’s television home is always going to be an interesting subject not only because it’s the place to find your favorite WWE Superstars locking horns, but it’s usually one of the most frequently visited channels on the dial for pro wrestling fans.
As it turns out USA Network isn’t guaranteed to be WWE’s home forever. They’ve had a great run with the network and things do seem to be going well, but anything is up for negotiations.
The fact is WWE’s deal with USA Network will expire which leaves a lot of speculation on what WWE’s next move could be. It looks like WWE is experimenting with social media broadcasting because they’re in talks with Facebook Live to air an exclusive live show on Tuesday nights, but it might be some time before a flagship show like Raw or SmackDown Live finds its way into that kind of discussion.
The Sports Business Journal recently released a story about UFC’s TV negotiations and how it could net them up to $450 million a year in revenue. Their current agreement sees the UFC product airing on FOX, FS1, and FS2 but it ends next year. Since WWE’s deal is set to expire in the fall of 2019, some people are under the impression if UFC leaves, it could open up a huge opportunity for WWE.
This story from the Sports Business Journal notes that not only does WWE have a window in which they can talk to other networks but WWE (including George Barrios and Triple H) had discussions with Fox reps over the summer.
WWE actually spoke to several networks during this time in what the article described as a “road show.” Other networks WWE spoke to included CBS and Disney as well as Amazon and YouTube.
The YouTube part is incredibly interesting seeing how YouTube has axed so much of the monetization surrounding the idea of pro wrestling in the past year that has cut the legs out from under several previously successful channel on the popular streaming social media website.
