Netflix has unveiled a groundbreaking exclusive deal that will bring WWE’s flagship program Raw and various live shows and events to its streaming platform, beginning in January 2025. Tuesday’s announcement marked a significant move for the streaming giant, securing the rights to WWE Raw, the USA Network’s top-rated show with a rich history spanning 1,600 episodes over three decades and an impressive 17.5 million unique visitors annually. In addition to Raw, Netflix will become the home for WWE’s other weekly programs, including SmackDown and NXT. Furthermore, exclusive streaming rights for WWE live events outside the US, such as WrestleMania, Summer Slam, and Royal Rumble, will be part of the extensive deal.
The reported value of this exclusive partnership exceeds $5 billion, according to insights from The Hollywood Reporter. Initially available to Netflix subscribers in the US, Canada, the UK, and Latin America, the streaming service plans to expand access to more regions and territories over time, emphasizing the deal’s long-term nature. This collaboration signifies Netflix’s latest venture into live events, especially within the realm of sports. Netflix made its debut in live sports programming with The Netflix Cup in late 2023, hosting a golf tournament featuring prominent athletes from Formula 1 and professional tennis.
The streaming landscape has seen a growing trend toward incorporating live sports programming, with services like Max, Prime Video, Paramount Plus, and Peacock offering access to football, basketball, soccer, golf, and international sporting events on their on-demand platforms. While some platforms require additional fees for live sports access, the details of how Netflix plans to integrate WWE content into its subscription tiers remain unclear. Whether through pricing adjustments or specific subscription plans, Netflix aims to continue expanding its offerings in the live sports category. With Netflix subscriptions starting at $7 a month in the US, this move signals a strategic step into the world of live entertainment for the streaming giant.
