In a further update to the big news today that Fox has secured the broadcasting rights to WWE SmackDown Live, a report from The Hollywood Reporter notes that the deal is in the region of $1 billion for 5 years starting in October 2019, this breaks down into $205 million annually. An impressive deal by any standard, especially considering SmackDown is considered the company's B-show and eclipses what the company currently receives for both Raw and SmackDown with NBCUniversal on USA Network. Â
In addition, Hollywood Reporter reveals that a third party did make a much larger bid which was likely Amazon or Facebook, but WWE ultimately decided to go with Fox as they have committed to promoting the blue-brand across their programming which includes NFL and Major League Baseball.Â
There is also some reports which note that SmackDown will be moving back to Friday Nights, which has many wondering if it will revert back to a taped broadcast rather than live.
WWE and Fox have yet to comment on the story, but an official statement is expected shortly.
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