In its first media rights deal since the WWE merged with UFC to become TKO, the wrestling brand announced 'Smackdown' will move from Fox to USA Network
The new rights deal, announced Thursday, is for five years. In addition, the WWE will produce four prime-time specials a year to air on NBC, the broadcasting sister of USA Network.Murdoch will be emeritus chairman of Fox Corp. and News Corp, while his son Lachlan will become the sole chairman in charge of the companies.
The new contract marks a return to USA for “SmackDown,” which aired on the cable network from 2016 to 2019 before moving to Fox.In 2021, WWE signed an exclusive five-year deal to air its content, including “WrestleMania,” on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service.“NBCUniversal has been a tremendous partner of WWE for decades,” WWE President Nick Khan said in a statement.
The broadcast rights for “Raw,” which currently airs on USA, expire next year. The program was the top-rated scripted cable program airing on Monday nights this year.