Fox and WWE Close Five-Year Deal to Bring 'SmackDown' to Network
The new five-year agreement commences on October 4, 2019 and will give Fox two hours of live event programming 52 weeks each year.
It’s official. Fox will be the new home of WWE SmackDown, the network announced Tuesday.
The new five-year agreement commences on October 4, 2019 and will give Fox two hours of live event programming 52 weeks each year.
As The Hollywood Reporter previously reported, the new deal is worth $205 annually, and $1.025 billion over the life of the pact.
The announcement comes as NBC is expected to soon close a new deal to keep Monday night showcase RAW, at an annual price tag of $265 million. Currently both programs air o NBC Universal’s USA.
“At Fox we are thrilled to welcome WWE to the FOX Sports family and bring SmackDown Live to broadcast television,” said Eric Shanks, President, COO and Executive Producer FOX Sports. “We are huge fans and know that together FOX Sports will be the leader in live events for the foreseeable future.”
Added Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman & CEO: “Fox and WWE are a perfect match. Moving SmackDown Live to broadcast TV and having the ability to leverage FOX’s extensive portfolio of world-class sporting events will expand the reach of our flagship programming.”
In addition to the Fox deal, WWE also announced Tuesday afternoon a five-year extension for it's flagship program Monday Night Raw on USA network. The new agreement for the live, weekly three-hour block, which commences in October 2019, continues the wrestling federation and network's nearly three decade-long relationship.
