WWE’s SmackDown is set to return to NBCUniversal’s USA Network in a new, five-year deal worth more than $1.4 billion.
The new deal, announced by WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon in a statement, extends the long-term partnership between the two networks which began in 1999. Since then, the franchise of popular wrestling entertainment has increased its exposure and popularity, with the show now featured in more than 180 countries.
Under the agreement, SmackDown will move from Friday night broadcast, to a live Tuesday night primetime broadcast on the would-be Peacock Network beginning in October. As part of the agreement, the show will also appear on NBCUniversal’s new streaming service, Peacock, beginning in July.
The deal is an extension from their five-year agreement which was set to expire in September and the new $1.4 billion deal guarantees USA Network successful programming for a longer period of time. NBCUniversal will also be providing opportunities to promote and cross-promote WWE’s programming across its digital platforms, including a Tuesday night hour-long preview.
The agreement also highlights the ongoing success of a long-term partnership between the two networks, despite some of the hiccups they’ve suffered in the past, such as the rumoured removal of SmackDown from USA Network.
The extended agreement is also good news for WWE fans, who will continue to be able to enjoy their favorite weekly show in its traditional form for years to come. For NBCUniversal’s Peacock service, this deal increases theWide collection of streaming programming and should allow viewers access to a wider range of content.
Overall, the new agreement between WWE and NBCUniversal is a major win-win situation, with both teams set to benefit from the partnership. The financials of the $1.4 billion deal have yet to be revealed, but it looks to be a successful agreement that should secure the long-term success of both networks.