WWE Signs Media Deal With The CW; NXT to Air on Broadcast Channel Starting in Fall 2024
The WWE and The CW shocked the wrestling world on Tuesday with news that NXT — WWE’s developmental brand, — will air its weekly programming on the network starting in October 2024. This marks the first time in its 13-year history that WWE NXT will air on a broadcast television network, and the first time WWE programming will air on The CW since “Saturday Morning Slam” aired on the network from 2012 to 2013.
- WWE NXT will begin airing on The CW following the end of the current season.
- NXT currently airs on the USA Network and will move to a broadcast channel for the first time next October.
- The WWE is also in the midst of making moves with its flagship properties “Raw” and “Smackdown” as well.
“We are thrilled to welcome the WWE brand into the CW Sports portfolio as they play an integral role in our mission to bring live sporting events to the network year-round,” The CW president Dennis Miller said. “WWE NXT is a perfect fit for The CW thanks to its dynamic young talent featuring the hottest rising stars in the sport and exhilarating, unpredictable weekly events. The passion and engagement of WWE’s fanbase is unmatched, and we are eager to grow that audience as WWE NXT’s new home on broadcast television.”
What Moves Has the WWE Made With Media Rights Recently?
The NXT announcement follows news that the wrestling promotion’s second flagship show, “WWE SmackDown,” will make the move from Fox to NBCUniversal cable channel USA Network starting in October of next year as well. The WWE has a decades-long partnership with NBCU. USA has been the home of “Monday Night RAW” for most of its 30-year history and NBCU’s streaming service Peacock is the home to all of the sports entertainment company’s premium — formerly pay-per-view — events for fans in the United States.
For many onlookers, WWE moving more high-value programming to NBCU outlets serves as a sign that it is not looking to break away from its longtime partner, just because the wrestling company has been acquired by UFC owner Endeavor. However, by moving NXT to The CW, that does show that Endeavor is open to exploring different options for the next round of rights for shows like “Raw” and the premium events.
The CW Continues to Make Moves in Live Sports Broadcasting
Over the past few months, The CW has added live sports to its offerings in a way many thought improbable. It started with LIV Golf, then ACC football and basketball, followed byNASCAR's Xfinity Series, and now pro wrestling.
“The CW has made impressive moves over the past year with its live sports programming schedule,” WWE President Nick Khan said. “It’s a truly exciting opportunity to expand NXT’s audience by bringing the show to broadcast television for the first time in NXT’s history.”
In a short time, The CW has gone from your destination for “King of Queens” reruns to a legitimate contender in the ongoing war for live sports broadcasting rights. With the NBA rights up soon, could The CW add pro basketball to their airwaves, too?