The financial specifics of WWE SmackDown’s agreement with the USA Network have now been disclosed. As per reports from CNBC and the Wall Street Journal, WWE has officially unveiled a substantial five-year rights deal with the USA Network, set to commence in October 2024. This deal is estimated to have an annual value of approximately $287 million, totaling a staggering $1.435 billion over the course of five years. This strategic move aligns with NBCUniversal’s broader initiative to feature live sports content on its networks.
Frances Berwick, the chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, expressed great enthusiasm regarding the partnership, stating:
“It’s a privilege and thrill to continue NBCU’s decades-long partnership with WWE which has helped cement USA Network’s consistent position as the top-rated cable entertainment network in live viewership. With Friday nights on USA, primetime specials on NBC, and the WWE hub on Peacock, we’ll continue to use the power of our portfolio to super-serve this passionate fanbase.”
Currently, WWE SmackDown airs on FOX and will continue to do so until October 2024. The show had previously been featured on the USA Network from 2016 to 2019 before transitioning to FOX.
Latest Ratings Update for WWE SmackDown
During the September 15th episode of WWE SmackDown, the iconic wrestling and Hollywood figure, The Rock, made his triumphant return to a WWE ring. This homecoming episode achieved remarkable viewership ratings, averaging a total of 2.569 million viewers—significantly higher than the previous week’s 2.084 million.
Moreover, the show experienced improved key demographics, attracting 834,000 viewers and earning a 0.70 P18-49 rating. In contrast, the September 8th episode had secured a 0.50 P18-49 rating.