Clarification on FOX Not Renewing WWE SmackDown Deal

WWE fans were shocked to discover that FOX is losing SmackDown in 2024. The blue brand will move to the USA Network as part of a lucrative deal. With that said, some clarification behind FOX not renewing SmackDown’s deal has been revealed.

The blue brand is set to make a return to the USA Network later this year, marking the conclusion of its five-year deal with FOX. WWE’s renewed partnership with NBC Universal, the parent company of the USA Network, reflects a longstanding and positive relationship. In contrast to the previous FOX deal, which amounted to $200 million annually (approximately $3,846,153 per episode), the new agreement with the USA Network is even more lucrative.

WWE is poised to collect staggering $1.4 billion over four years, translating to approximately $280 million per year or $5,384,615 per episode. This significant deal underscores the continued value and appeal of WWE programming on the USA Network.

According to Dave Meltzer on Twitter, the reason FOX opted not to renew their deal with WWE for SmackDown was due to their unwillingness to match the lucrative offer presented by the USA Network. Meltzer clarified that FOX’s decision was not about removing WWE from their programming but rather a result of being outbid by the USA Network, signaling a competitive and financial aspect to the negotiations.

”FOX didn’t want to match the $279 million per year USA offered for the show. They’d have gladly kept it for a lower price. They didn’t truly cancel, they were outbid.”

WWE’s broadcast strategy for SmackDown’s USA Network comeback has also been revealed. We will have to wait and see whether Friday Night SmackDown returning to the USA Network will end up becoming the best deal WWE made for the blue brand so far.

Do you feel SmackDown’s deal with The USA Network is a great one for the company? Let us know in the comments section below!