Los Angeles, CA – In a groundbreaking move that is set to reshape the landscape of professional wrestling on television, The CW has officially become the exclusive broadcast home of WWE’s NXT. The five-year deal, set to commence in October 2024, marks a significant shift as NXT bids farewell to the USA Network, ushering in a new era for the showcase of WWE’s emerging stars.
Under this agreement, The CW will air 52 live weekly NXT events throughout the season, adding another dynamic layer to its burgeoning portfolio of live sports programming, which includes ACC football and basketball, LIV Golf, and the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025. The move is part of The CW’s strategic plan to offer over 500 hours of sports content, providing fans with an immersive experience across various disciplines.
NXT, a gem within the TKO Group, WWE, and UFC conglomerate, majority-owned by Endeavor, finds a new home on The CW, aligning with the network’s mission to bring year-round live sporting events to its audience. The deal comes on the heels of TKO’s announcement regarding WWE’s five-year domestic media rights deal with NBCUniversal, bringing Friday Night SmackDown to USA Network in October 2024.
While financial details of The CW’s NXT deal remain undisclosed, insiders suggest that it surpasses the $15 million a year price tag of the current contract. Dennis Miller, President of The CW, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “WWE NXT is a perfect fit for The CW thanks to its dynamic young talent featuring the hottest rising stars in the sport and exhilarating, unpredictable weekly events.”
- Advertisement -
WWE President Nick Khan echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the strategic move to a network with over 100 million homes and applauding The CW’s growth in live sports programming. “Between the new leadership and ownership, the economics of the deal, and with their broadcast network now being in over 100 million homes, it became a no-brainer to move NXT, one of our signature weekly shows, to the CW,” Khan shared with Deadline.
NXT, launched by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque in 2012, has been a breeding ground for wrestling’s brightest young talents. Nearly 90% of participants in last year’s WrestleMania developed under the NXT banner, solidifying its crucial role in WWE’s talent pipeline. Led by WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, NXT has consistently ranked No. 1 in cable primetime on Tuesday nights, drawing significant attention from younger audiences.
As wrestling enthusiasts anticipate this move to The CW, it’s evident that WWE’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of superstars remains unwavering. The transition to broadcast television marks a historic moment for NXT, enhancing its accessibility and potentially broadening its already fervent fanbase.
Stephen’s Take:
The CW’s acquisition of WWE’s NXT is a seismic shift in the world of professional wrestling, placing the spotlight on emerging talent in a new broadcast landscape. The strategic move aligns with The CW’s vision of delivering diverse live sports content to its audience, and the synergy between the network and WWE promises an exciting chapter for NXT. As the next generation of wrestling stars prepares to make its mark on The CW, fans can expect a thrilling journey that combines athleticism, drama, and the unpredictable nature of live sports.
