Netflix Makes a Major Move with WWE’s Monday Night Raw
In a surprising turn of events, Netflix has secured the rights to WWE’s Monday Night Raw, marking its biggest commitment to live programming yet. While this move may come as a shock to some, Netflix is clear that it has no plans to bid for more live sports rights in the near future.
Co-CEO Ted Sarandos reaffirmed Netflix’s stance on major sports leagues, stating that while they are “in the sports business,” they are not looking to make significant rights commitments. However, Sarandos emphasized that WWE falls under the category of “sports entertainment,” which aligns with Netflix’s focus on the drama of sport.
Starting in 2025, Monday Night Raw will make its move from its long-time home at USA Network to Netflix. The deal, reportedly worth $5 billion over 10 years ($500 million annually), grants Netflix the rights to stream the show live in the United States, Canada, the U.K., and Latin American territories. Additionally, Netflix will have global rights outside the U.S. to other WWE programming, including Smackdown and premium events.
One of the key advantages of this partnership for WWE is Netflix’s worldwide footprint. Historically, WWE has been under-distributed outside of North America, and this deal will help expand its reach to a global audience. Moreover, it will provide Netflix with substantial inventory for its growing ad business.
Another notable aspect of the agreement is that Monday Night Raw will now have a regular home every week of the year. This sets it apart from sports leagues like the NBA, which only have games for about half the year. While Sarandos made it clear that this move does not signify a change in Netflix’s overall sports strategy, it does demonstrate their commitment to providing diverse and captivating content to their subscribers.
The partnership between Netflix and WWE marks a significant milestone for both parties. For WWE, it opens up new avenues for global distribution and exposure, while Netflix continues to solidify its position as a leading streaming platform. As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, this collaboration showcases the power of streaming services in reshaping the landscape of sports and entertainment.
