We are only starting 2024, but 2025 already has a major shakeup. Netflix will become the new home to WWE Raw in 2025 after a massive deal has been struck between the wrestling organization and the streaming service. It will be the first time that Raw hits another platform outside of its network home.
The deal will go on for a decade. The value is set at $500 million per year. Netflix could opt out of its WWE deal within the first five years, or it could extend the home for Raw for ten years. Comparatively, WWE’s deal with NBCUniversal is about $250 million per year.
Netflix Body Slams a Mountain of Money for WWE Raw Rights in New Deal
In a press release, the deal affects the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Latin America. More territories will be added over time, and additional areas will be included in the initial launch, but there are no details on what places will also be getting Raw. For those non-American audiences, Netflix will be the exclusive place to watch everything WWE. This includes SmackDown, NXT, WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble.
The NBC deal will end in October 2024. It is unknown how it will play out during the in-between time. It is uncertain if there will be a complete exit of WWE productions on NBCUniversal as details are still being drafted for the deal.
Netflix furthers its stake in live events with WWE Raw. Previously, it started with comedy specials, like Chris Rock: Selective Outrage. It has streamed live specials and events on the platform in the last year, including a Love Is Blind reunion special and, most recently, the latest Screen Actors Guild Awards. Now, with its wrestling deal, it will have consistent live events to stream all year for a decade.
The streamer has continued to expand its horizons over its lifetime. It has been growing in other areas, like animation, video game adaptation, anime adaptations, and putting movies in theaters for limited runs.
