WWE has some huge deals in the pipeline for 2024, and we already know that SmackDown and NXT have new network homes. Now, a major player in the streaming wars may be in play for RAW’s rights.
Amazon Prime Could Secure WWE RAW
With WWE’s existing media rights deal for Monday Night Raw with NBCUniversal set to conclude in October 2024, speculation is arising about the company’s next broadcasting partner. Since the USA Network secured SmackDown, the red brand’s long-time home is expected to change.
Sports Business Journalism reporter John Ourand predicts that Amazon is likely to secure the rights to WWE’s flagship show. This would see WWE RAW move behind Amazon Prime’s streaming paywall.
John Ourand’s forecast envisions Amazon keeping Raw on Monday nights. The show would then air live from whichever city they are in that week.
Amazon Prime has been trying hard to target a young male audience and provide Prime Video with an additional night of premium live programming alongside Thursday Night Football. Shifting from cable television to a streaming service would represent a notable transformation in the wrestling television rights industry.
Amazon Prime’s Possible Plan For WWE RAW
This transition to a streaming service like Amazon Prime Video aligns with the changing landscape of television consumption. Cable TV is experiencing a decline in viewership, while streaming services are gaining prominence. This shift has redefined how television content is monetarily valued. Streaming services offer precise data insights, enabling companies like WWE to accurately assess viewership and the value of their product.
Utilizing streaming data alongside advertising revenue and sponsorships lets companies determine the worth of their brand when negotiating media rights deals. WWE may secure an incredibly lucrative deal compared to its previous agreement with NBCUniversal after breaking down those numbers.
WBD’s Interest In WWE RAW
Warner Bros Discovery is also reportedly interested in WWE RAW’s next contract. CM Punk may have brought even more interest from them, as it ramped up after his Survivor Series debut.
If WBD secures WWE RAW, then that could mean a big change is coming for AEW programming, as their television deal is up at the end of 2024.
Tony Khan, who said that AEW’s relationship with Warner Brothers Discovery is “very strong,“ has already spoken on WBD’s reported interest in WWE, and he said that it is “a part of sports.”
WWE’s Possible RAW Backup Plan
WWE has some big money deals in motion right now, but there is another contender if Warner Bros Discovery and Amazon don’t lock in the rights for RAW.
John Ourand proposed that Disney could enter the scene. Disney might consider a deal involving both renewing its existing UFC deal and broadcasting Monday Night Raw on its FX cable channel.
FX was previously reported as a top contender to lock down the longest running weekly episodic television show in history, and they may still be in the running. This alternative option would provide WWE with a broadcasting partner, albeit on cable television.