World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has just announced a 1.4 billion dollar deal including a five-year renewal to broadcast the fan-favorite SmackDown show on USA Network. SmackDown, a weekly show featuring professional wrestling matches and storylines, has been a staple of WWE programming since 1999.
USA Network had previously broadcast SmackDown from 1999 to the fall of 2005 when it was moved to the CW Network. After its time on the CW Network, SmackDown moved to MyNetworkTV from 2006 to 2010 and then to Syfy from 2010 to 2015 before coming back to USA Network in 2016.
The deal includes continued broadcasts of two additional SmackDown-themed shows, bringing the total number of broadcasts to about 600 episodes per year. Additionally, as part of the deal, USA Network will continue to hold exclusive rights to air WWE-produced pay-per-view events.
The deal marks a huge milestone in the history of WWE, as it reaffirms their steady popularity and dedication to delivering some of the best professional wrestling events and content available anywhere. Additionally, the deal proves that USA Network still has an appetite for live sports and sports-related programming, ensuring their dedication to providing fans with the shows they love.
The new agreement sees SmackDown return to its old home on USA Network and will now be part of an even bigger and better relationship with the biggest name in professional wrestling. With its return to USA Network, WWE fans from all around the world can look forward to a much better and more comprehensive package of content and programming, making all of the shows together much more exciting.