Netflix has made a significant move by acquiring the rights to air WWE's flagship program, "Raw," starting from January 2025. Key details include:
- Exclusive Rights: The deal grants Netflix exclusive streaming rights for "Raw" in the US, Canada, UK, and Latin America. This marks the first time "Raw" will not be broadcast on linear television since its inception 31 years ago.
- Expansion of WWE Content: Netflix will also become the new streaming home for all WWE shows and specials outside the US. This includes weekly shows like "Smackdown" and "NXT," as well as Premium Live Events such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble.
- Duration and Value: The partnership is set for a 10-year duration and is valued at over $5 billion.
- Endorsements: WWE Chief Content Officer and WWE legend, Triple H, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its potential to take WWE to new heights. Similarly, Netflix's Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, emphasized the value of "Raw" to Netflix's offerings, citing its broad and passionate fan base.
- Previous Deals: The context of the deal is significant, considering Comcast's previous investment in WWE content. Comcast paid around $265 million annually for the rights to "Raw" in 2018 and approximately $287 million per year for "Smackdown" in 2023 through NBC Universal.
- Impact on Streaming and WWE: This deal represents a major shift in the distribution and consumption of WWE content, moving from traditional TV broadcasting to a streaming-first approach. It also reflects Netflix's strategy to diversify and strengthen its content portfolio in the competitive streaming market.