On October 4, 2024, WWE’s flagship show, Friday Night SmackDown, made its highly anticipated return to the USA Network as part of a new five-year domestic media rights deal with NBCUniversal. This move marked a significant milestone for both WWE and the network, as SmackDown had last aired on USA Network in 2019 before moving to Fox. With this deal, WWE aims to strengthen its presence across multiple platforms and capitalize on its loyal fan base.
The Return to USA Network
SmackDown’s return to USA Network has been met with excitement from fans, as it represents a renewed partnership between WWE and the network that originally helped elevate the show to mainstream prominence. Since its debut on Fox in 2019, SmackDown has continued to grow in popularity, and now with its move to USA Network, WWE is positioning itself for even greater reach and engagement with viewers.
The show’s move back to USA is part of WWE’s broader strategy to leverage its extensive media rights deals to create more opportunities for its content. Fans are now able to enjoy SmackDown’s live broadcasts and engaging storylines on a network that has long been home to WWE’s other major programs, including Monday Night Raw.
A New Five-Year Deal with NBCUniversal
The new five-year domestic media rights deal between WWE and NBCUniversal represents a major step forward in WWE’s media strategy. This partnership ensures that SmackDown will air on USA Network through 2029, providing the network with a premier sports-entertainment product to compete with other live TV events. The deal also includes a commitment to producing four prime-time specials annually for NBC, beginning in the 2024/2025 season. These specials will be a combination of themed events and exclusive broadcasts, designed to further increase WWE’s visibility and market reach on NBC.
Four Prime-Time Specials for NBC
In addition to the return of SmackDown, WWE’s new agreement with NBCUniversal will see the production of four prime-time specials annually for NBC, starting with the 2024/2025 season. These events will offer unique programming and marquee matchups, giving WWE fans new opportunities to watch their favorite Superstars in action in a primetime slot.
The specials will be strategically scheduled throughout the year, capitalizing on key moments in WWE’s yearly calendar, such as Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and WrestleMania, alongside additional stand-alone events. These high-profile specials are expected to draw in casual viewers and further cement WWE’s presence on NBC, appealing to a wider audience while maintaining its loyal fan base.
The Impact of the Move on WWE’s Brand
WWE’s decision to return to USA Network highlights its commitment to continuing its legacy of delivering high-quality entertainment across multiple platforms. With SmackDown’s move back to the network, WWE fans can look forward to a seamless transition of content across both USA Network and NBC, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
By aligning itself with NBCUniversal, WWE ensures that its programming will be featured prominently across a number of platforms, creating a cohesive viewing experience for fans. This expanded partnership will likely lead to more cross-platform promotions, including exclusive streaming deals, digital content, and behind-the-scenes features, all aimed at increasing the accessibility and impact of WWE programming.
WWE’s Continued Growth in Mainstream Media
The move to USA Network also comes at a time when WWE continues to expand its mainstream presence. With a successful partnership with Peacock for its streaming service and global media rights deals, WWE is consolidating its position as one of the world’s most recognized entertainment brands.
WWE’s relationship with NBCUniversal also allows for greater opportunities for collaboration across NBC’s broad portfolio of networks, including NBC Sports, Universal Pictures, and Telemundo, creating a more interconnected media strategy. This partnership positions WWE to not only dominate on the traditional television landscape but also deepen its integration in digital and streaming content, reaching fans across multiple screens and platforms.
Looking Ahead
As WWE embarks on this new chapter with USA Network, the future of Friday Night SmackDown looks brighter than ever. The return of SmackDown to its original home on USA Network, paired with the new specials on NBC, sets the stage for more exciting developments in the world of sports entertainment. With more visibility, more live programming, and a stronger media presence, WWE is set to continue expanding its influence in the entertainment world, while fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for their favorite Superstars.
Conclusion
The return of WWE SmackDown to USA Network on October 4, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in the company’s history. With a new five-year media deal with NBCUniversal, the move strengthens WWE’s position in the sports entertainment industry. In addition to SmackDown’s return, the creation of prime-time specials for NBC further enhances WWE’s visibility, offering fans more access to their favorite content. This renewed partnership is a significant step forward for WWE’s ongoing expansion, ensuring a continued and exciting future for the brand and its millions of fans.