- WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown will return to NBCUniversal’s USA Network in October 2024.
- The deal averages $287 million a year, for a total value of over $1.4 billion, people familiar with the matter told CNBC.
- Shares in TKO Group Holdings fell more than 12% following the announcement.
Shinsuke Nakamura and Karrion Kross wrestle during WWE SmackDown at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot on May 5, 2023 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.(
Gladys Vega | Getty Images Sports | Getty Images
WWE’s “Friday Night SmackDown” will return to USA Network in October 2024 as part of a five-year domestic media rights partnership between TKO Group Holdings and NBCUniversal, the company said Thursday.
The deal averages $287 million a year, for a total value of over $1.4 billion, people familiar with the matter told CNBC. WWE doesn’t expect to reach a rights agreement for its flagship show “Raw” until next year.
Smackdown was previously on Fox with a rights agreement worth $205 million per year in a five-year deal. The new agreement represents an increase of approximately 40%.
TKO shares fell more than 12% following the announcement.
WWE will also produce four primetime specials per year beginning in the 2024-2025 season to air on NBC.
“It is a privilege and a thrill to continue NBCU’s decade-long partnership with WWE, which has helped solidify USA Network’s enduring position as the top-rated cable entertainment network in live viewers,” said Frances Berwick, chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment. “With Friday nights on USA, primetime specials on NBC and the WWE Hub on Peacock, we will continue to leverage the power of our portfolio to best serve this passionate fan base.”
Disclosure: NBCUniversal is the parent company of CNBC.