"Smackdown Live" will air on FOX in late 2019, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The TV giant acquired the popular WWE programming after NBC reportedly declined to match the wrestling organization's proposed numbers. NBC Universal has hosted the show since Oct. 2010.
The deal will reportedly begin next October. The Hollywood Reporter states this deal will cost three times what NBC is currently paying—it is a five-year contract worth more than $1 billion. NBC currently pays $205 million annually.
"Smackdown Live" has averaged 2.59 million viewers this year, according to ESPN's Darren Rovell, who notes that this move is representative of the industry's prioritization of live programming. "Smackdown Live" is one of the WWE's two weekly live shows; "Raw" is slightly more popular. "Raw" has aired on USA Network since Oct. 2005 (in addition to a run from 1993-2000).
Unsurprisingly, the WWE's stock has soared since the news broke.
The Hollywood Reporter states the WWE actually received a more lucrative offer from a third party, but the organization wanted to work with Fox, which also airs the NFL and MLB. This is big news for the WWE.
"Smackdown Live" has the sixth-biggest audience among cable originals, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Related Stories
Nikki Bella Is Still Open to Marrying John Cena When the Time Is Right
The WWE/reality TV star opened up about her breakup with Cena during an appearance on 'Today.'
Hulk Hogan Reportedly Close to WWE Return
According to a new report, WWE is close to bringing back Hulk Hogan.
Triple H Defends Hosting WWE Event in Saudi Arabia Without Any Women Wrestlers
Triple H hopes women will be able to compete in Saudi Arabia in the next few years.
