How would WWE fans feel about streaming SmackDown on Amazon Prime Video or tuning in to Raw on FX? Those are reportedly possibilities, albeit not probabilities, as the company moves to the next phase of its broadcast rights negotiations.
The incumbents, Comcast (parent company of USA) and Fox, both had exclusive negotiating windows to try to work out new deals for Raw and SmackDown, respectively. However, those windows have now elapsed, meaning new bidders can enter the fry should they so desire.
And that’s exactly what several may do, according to the New York Post (subscription required). The Post’s sources say that Disney is a potential bidder, with the company looking for new programming to anchor FX as it sees scripted series increasingly head to streaming services. It’s also simply a better fit for FX than ESPN, which Disney also owns, for scheduling (ESPN carries Monday Night Football during the NFL season) and aesthetic purposes.
Amazon already made its first big move for live streaming of sports last year by snagging the rights to Thursday Night Football. The Post likes the idea of it also grabbing SmackDown to give Prime Video live draws on consecutive nights, while noting that WWE fans have increasingly shown a willingness to follow that show when it migrates away from broadcast TV on occasion.
Apple and Warner Bros. Discovery (home to AEW programming, which the Post says would not disqualify it from bidding on WWE) and described as longer shots to make serious bids for Raw or SmackDown. Still, as interesting as any of these new homes for the shows might be, the status quo is thought to be the most likely outcome when all is said and done.
We would maintain at this point that Fox, with “Friday Night Smackdown,” and USA, with “Monday Night Raw,” remain most likely to re-up; that is usually the common thought at these points in deals that have been wins for both sides.
In other words, WWE fans will probably get to maintain the viewing habits they’ve had on Monday and Friday nights for years, but there’s still a chance for a change.