WWE SmackDown Slams Into NBCUniversal’s USA Network with $1.4 Billion Deal!

The media landscape is about to witness a new changing of the guard as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Inc. announces a new broadcast deal that will see its flagship SmackDown LIVE series return to USA Network. In a deal reported to be worth more than $1.4 billion over five years, USA Network is set to take over hosting rights of WWE’s elite professional wrestling program from Fox Sports, who had broadcast SmackDown LIVE since October of 2019. The move marks the return of WWE programming to the channel that first started the nationwide phenomenon in 1999. Under the agreement, USA Network is set to feature SmackDown LIVE in its two-hour format with live coverage starting on Friday nights beginning in October of 2021. SmackDown LIVE will strengthen the mixed martial arts, pro wrestling, and action sports line-up of events that USA Network has been known for. The huge deal is especially big news for WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon who said in a statement: “USA Network is the perfect home for SmackDown and will enable us to continue to elevate and maximize the show to new heights. Our fans will benefit from increased distribution and the amazing portfolio of iconic characters and premium content provided by NBCUniversal”. With the agreement having been signed, fans of the global premier sports entertainment company now have something to gain more excitement for. SmackDown LIVE will return bigger and better to USA Network with WWE standing to unsurprisingly reap bigger rewards from not just a new television deal, but from the entire WWE Universe.