In a groundbreaking move, WWE Raw, after 31 years on linear TV, is set to premiere on Netflix from January 2025. This colossal 10-year, $5 billion deal not only transforms the streaming landscape but also signals Netflix's foray into live sports. The partnership extends beyond Raw, including SmackDown, NXT, and marquee PPVs, providing an international platform for WWE content. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of this unprecedented collaboration, exploring the financial dynamics, potential global impact, and the exciting possibilities for fans.
Key Takeaways:
Major Move: WWE Raw shifts to Netflix in a historic 10-year, $5 billion deal, marking Netflix's entry into live sports streaming.
Let’s talk more about this groundbreaking move
WWE Raw is moving to Netflix
As was discussed before, the 23rd of January 2024 was possibly one of the most important days In recent WWE history. First the news of The Rock Being added to the TKO Board of Directors and then later in the day this bombshell dropped. This was something that no one was expecting and Netflix was not named as a possible suitor. The man Nick Khan has been on a roll and he said that this deal came through in the last few months. Netflix will pay WWE $5 billion dollars for the next 10 years and this will be a 100% increase for Raw rights from the $250 million that USA Network gave them last.
Netflix will have the option to extend that deal for another 10 years and after 5 years have been completed during the extended period they can opt out of the deal. Meaning Netflix will be home to Raw for 15 years. Not only that, Netflix will also get to stream SmackDown, NXT and PPVs like WrestleMania, Royal Rumble and SummerSlam internationally except countries where WWE has a pre-existing deal like with the case of India with Sony Sports Network. This will give most of the fans the chance internationally to watch all these shows on Netflix. Netflix also plans to make documentaries with WWE about the Superstars as well as important events.
The TKO stock rose up by 23% to more than $91 per share and this was a great boost for the company and for Netflix whose stock rose by 1% as well. This is the first big live sports deal that Netflix has made and WWE will stream for 52 weeks a year and internationally as well for shows like SmackDown and NXT. Netflix will not only stream Raw in the USA but also in Canada and Latin America.
The Important Points of this deal are as follows
Netflix will be the home of WWE Raw for the next 10 years in the USA, Canada and Latin America. This deal will start from January 2025.
Netflix will pay WWE $500 million per year which means a total of $5 billion dollars in the course of 10 years
WWE will be streaming Raw for the first time outside of linear TV in 31 years. The day for the streaming of Raw has not yet been determined and it will be announced. It could be on Mondays or it could change.
Netflix has an option to extend the deal after 10 years and during the extended period they can opt out after 5 years meaning WWE will be home to Netflix for 15 years.
WWE SmackDown, NXT and PPVs like WrestleMania, Royal Rumble and SummerSlam will stream on Netflix for subscribers outside the USA .
The Stock of TKO rose by 23% to over $91 a share and the stock of Netflix rose by 1%> It is a win-win deal for everyone including the fans.
There will be ads for the customers who have the ad supported tier and there will be no ads for those in the premium tiers on Netflix.
Netflix and WWE will team up to make documentaries about WWE superstars as well as important events and this will give WWE important exposure.
Source: Netflix
