Nick Khan Optimistic About WWE TV Rights Negotiations
by Jeff Wolfe | @prowrestlingw8r
WWE CEO Nick Khan is optimistic about ongoing WWE media rights negotiations for new deals for WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown when their current deals expire at the end of 2024 with USA Network and FOX.
Speaking on the WWE earnings call today, Khan talked about why this round of negotiations is taking longer than the time.
“Last time, having been across that negotiation, the starting prices of where we were for Raw and SmackDown were far far less than the starting prices now, which means deeper and longer conversations. All of those conversations have been productive. We remain quite optimistic on it in terms of time. I’ve often said in negotiations, you can control a lot of the process, you can never control the timing of the negotiation. We feel we’re there in full force with a robust product that seems to have quite high ratings and relevancy at this moment. We think the results will be what we expect and hope they will be,” he said.
Khan noted that there are OTT buys in their media rights.
“The OTT buyers seem quite interested in not only Raw, not only SmackDown, but NXT, as do the more traditional buyers. We think it’s a very strong landscape for products that register.”
This news comes as no surprise to wrestling fans, as WWE has been dominating the television ratings and consistently delivering compelling content. With a strong lineup of shows including Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, it’s no wonder that both traditional and OTT buyers are showing interest in securing the media rights.
WWE Raw and SmackDown have been long-standing staples in the world of professional wrestling, attracting millions of viewers each week. The shows have become must-see television for wrestling fans around the globe.
According to Khan, the negotiations for the new deals are taking longer this time due to the significantly higher starting prices. However, he remains optimistic and confident that the discussions will yield favorable results.
“All of those conversations have been productive. We remain quite optimistic on it in terms of time. We feel we’re there in full force with a robust product that seems to have quite high ratings and relevancy at this moment. We think the results will be what we expect and hope they will be,” Khan stated.
With the rise of over-the-top (OTT) platforms and the increasing demand for digital content, it’s no surprise that these buyers are expressing interest in WWE’s programming. The combination of Raw, SmackDown, and NXT offers a diverse range of content that appeals to a wide audience.
While traditional buyers have always been a part of the negotiation process, the emergence of OTT platforms has added a new dimension to the media rights landscape. WWE’s strong brand and loyal fanbase make it an attractive investment for both traditional and digital media outlets.
As negotiations continue, WWE fans can rest assured that their favorite shows will remain on the air. With the success and popularity of Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, it’s clear that WWE has a strong position in the market.
Only time will tell what the future holds for WWE’s media rights, but with Nick Khan’s optimism and the interest from both traditional and OTT buyers, it’s safe to say that WWE’s programming will continue to entertain fans for years to come.
Source: <a href="https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/n