Title: The CW Enters Five-Year Deal with WWE to Broadcast NXT Events
In an exciting development for wrestling fans, The CW has announced a five-year partnership with WWE to become the official broadcast home of NXT. Commencing in October 2024, the network will showcase 52 live weekly events of NXT, further diversifying its collection of live sports programming.
This landmark deal comes as part of the newly formed public company, TKO Group, which houses both WWE and UFC and is majority-owned by Endeavor. While the financial details of the agreement were not officially disclosed, rumors suggest that the contract value exceeds $15 million per year, more than doubling the previous arrangement.
By joining forces with The CW, NXT will have the opportunity to expand its reach and connect with a wider audience, as the network boasts coverage in over 100 million households. Led by WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, NXT has already established itself as a favorite among younger viewers, with increasing viewership among adults aged 18-49.
This recent alliance follows in the footsteps of WWE’s other shows, SmackDown and Raw, which have also secured new media rights deals. Starting from October 2024, SmackDown will transition to the USA Network.
Dennis Miller, President of The CW, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing WWE NXT to broadcast television, recognizing the potential for audience growth. Meanwhile, WWE President, Nick Khan, believes this move to The CW presents an exciting opportunity to introduce NXT to a wider range of viewers.
NXT, known for serving as a training ground for up-and-coming WWE stars, has nurtured many renowned Superstars through its program. This collaborative effort with The CW will undoubtedly provide a platform for undiscovered talent to shine and expand their fanbase.
For those curious about the financial impact of this momentous partnership, TKO Group is scheduled to release its first quarterly earnings report, while Endeavor plans to unveil its financial results later this week.
With the October 2024 launch date on the horizon, fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of NXT to The CW, eager to witness the electrifying action unfold in their living rooms and take part in this new era of wrestling entertainment.
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