WWE announces major broadcasting change as Netflix becomes home of flagship program Raw in mega $5bn deal
WWE has agreed a shock new deal with Netflix to become the home of Monday Night Raw.
The streaming giants have struck a $5 billion deal to show the wrestling franchise’s flagship program on Monday nights.
The territories the deal covers include the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as Latin America.
The deal will begin in January 2025, when Raw will move over from USA Network, and last 10 years.
According to WWE’s website, Raw brings in 17.5million unique viewers in the United States on the NBC-operated channel.
Raw has been on the air since 1993 and there have been over 1,600 episodes to date.
It is currently shown on TNT Sports in the United Kingdom.
WWE president Nick Khan said: “In its relatively short history, Netflix has engineered a phenomenal track record for storytelling.
“We believe Netflix, as one of the world’s leading entertainment brands, is the ideal long-term home for Raw’s live, loyal, and ever-growing fan base.”
Netflix has previously become more involved in live sports with the Netflix Cup event in Las Vegas.
The tournament saw F1 and golf players, who starred in behind-the-scenes documentaries on Netflix, compete at the Wynn Golf Club.
Netflix is also set to broadcast a tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz on March 3.
WWE joined forces with UFC last year as part of a new company launched by Vince McMahon called TKO.
It was also announced on Tuesday that Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson would take up a role on the board.
McMahon said: “Very few people on the planet understand the convergence of sports, entertainment, media, and business like Rock.
“We are proud to have him join the TKO board to help take our company to new heights.”