Netflix Nabs Exclusive Rights To The Biggest Sports Entertainment Series

USA Network, which had been the traditional broadcaster of Monday Night Raw since its launch in January 1993 (except for 2000-2005, when Spike was the broadcaster), will relinquish its hold as Netflix takes over the reins. The deal encompasses not only the main Raw program but also includes all WWE shows and specials outside the U.S., such as SmackDown and NXT.

Additionally, Netflix will stream WWE’s major live events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble, along with making documentaries, original series, and upcoming projects available on-demand outside the U.S. (Domestic rights within the U.S. remain with Peacock via the WWE hub established in 2021).

Despite the streaming company’s insistence that it wasn’t interested in joining the live sports arena, Netflix has been working behind the scenes for years to tap into this genre of entertainment. Recently, the studio bid for Formula 1 rights, and last year, the company organized a made-for-streaming golf competition. Monday Night Raw is just one more way the streaming platform is diversifying its content and aiming to capture a broader audience.

While wrestling falls under the category of sports entertainment due to its scripted nature, the passionate fan base and consistent viewership make Monday Night Raw a strategic addition to Netflix’s programming portfolio. The move aligns with the streaming giant’s increasing interest in live events, reflecting a broader trend of streaming platforms drawing significant live sports away from traditional TV bundles.

Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group Holdings, the result of WWE’s merger with Endeavor’s UFC, expressed the transformative nature of the deal. He stated, “This deal marries the can’t-miss WWE product with Netflix’s extraordinary global reach and locks in significant and predictable economics for many years.”

The partnership is expected to alter and strengthen the media landscape, expanding the reach of Monday Night Raw and other WWE shows while bringing live appointment viewing to Netflix on a weekly basis.

Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, emphasized the excitement surrounding the partnership, stating, “By combining our reach, recommendations, and fandom with WWE, we’ll be able to deliver more joy and value for their audiences and our members.” WWE President Nick Khan, who had long considered Netflix as a potential partner, praised the streaming giant’s storytelling track record, deeming it the “ideal long-term home” for Monday Night Raw’s “ever-growing” fan base.

As always, Netflix continues to embrace its role as a disrupter in the entertainment industry. The company’s deal with Monday Night Raw signifies a major shift in the entertainment landscape as streaming platforms continue to redefine the way audiences consume live sports and entertainment content. In the streaming era, no entertainment genre is left to the conventional norms of television consumption.

Source: Deadline