Ting Ting Ting… It’s Monday Night RAW and the match has started. The challenger, Netflix locks horns with streaming platforms in the quest for the prestigious live streaming rights title of WWE.
Looking composed, the opponent seems defenseless against Netflix’s attacks. Netflix going for the pin, one…two…three. It’s all over, defying all odds, Netflix is the new champion of WWE live streaming rights.
In the sports entertainment world, no news can get bigger than this. Netflix has bought the rights to stream the WWE flagship show – Monday Night Raw.
With this deal, Netflix’s intentions are clear. It seems that being one of the biggest streaming platforms isn’t enough. Hence, they’re breaking ground in the sports industry.
In recent times, Netflix got the exposure to stream live sporting events. Last year in October, Netflix livestreamed a sporting event “The Netflix Cup”. F-1 athletes from its “Drive to Survive” series and “Full Swing” golfers actively participated.
Moreover, Netflix’s recent bent towards live-streaming events isn’t new. Last year, Netflix debuted in live-stream with a comedy special “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage”. Followed by a special reunion of “Love is Blind”. Furthermore, they have hosted live-streaming of award functions, the 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards being the latest one.
Now, let’s have a look at how much Netflix will pay for the live-streaming rights and what’s in it for WWE.
The Ground-Breaking Deal Between Netflix and WWE:
For a whopping amount of $500 million a year, Netflix and WWE have agreed to exclusively air the flagship WWE’s Monday Night Raw. The contract’s length is ten years. However, Netflix has a clause, allowing it to terminate or extend the contract after five years.Cumulatively, the figure reaches up to $5 Billion.
The livestreaming will start from January 2025 and end in January 2035.
With this, it marks a new era for WWE. For the first time in 31yearsof history, WWE will not be telecast on a linear television network.
In addition, this deal can exactly be what WWE needed for survival. WWE’s competitors, such as AEW and UFC were on a roll. Apparently, TKO Holdings Group Inc., owners of WWE, had a hard time countering them.
Moreover, WWE is getting the most out of this deal. As per reports, WWE’s current five-year deal with NBCUniversal for Monday Night Raw stands at $250 million a year.
However, the real question is,
“What’s in it for Netflix’?
Let’s see how this deal is a win-win for everyone involved, including the fans.
How is Netflix Going To Benefit?
Well, there are plenty of ways Netflix is going to benefit from this deal.
First of all, Netflix is going to get access to a very loyal, young, and ardent fanbase. It’s a sure thing that WWE is going to attract millions of new visitors with this deal.
Secondly, this deal announces a formal entry of Netflix in the live-streaming world. Who knows this step may prepare the ground for Netflix to get the streaming rights for the Olympics or FIFA World Cup.
However, it’s only our supposition, but keep a close eye on Netflix’s upcoming live-streaming projects.
Thirdly, Netflix will probably reach the break-even point in a couple of years. Now, you may ask
“How?”
As the content on Netflix improves, it attracts more people. Considering WWE’s loyal fanbase, it’s apparent that people are going to avail Netflix’s subscriptions.
Lastly, reportssuggest, Netflix may get access to RAW’s directory. If that happens, WWE fans can get free access to RAW’s1600 episodes, from the very first episode aired in January 1993.
Netflix has a reputation for working seamlessly, even on subpar internet connections. However, live-streaming requires top-notch internet. If you’re planning to live stream on Netflix, plan to get a better internet connection first.
For that, we recommend Spectrum. Providing strong internet, you can stream live matches with ease. Moreover, with millions of free hotspot zones, you can watch live streams on the go.
To avail their services, connect to Spectrum’s website today. Spanish customers can connect to Spectrum servicio al cliente for Spanish customer support.
Moving on to the next question, we’ll discuss how WWE is going to benefit from this deal.
How WWE Will Benefit From This Deal?
As the deal commences next year, WWE will get double the amount they’re getting from NBCUniversal, which stands at $250 million a year.
Secondly, WWE will get exclusive access to 247 million Netflix users around the globe. Covering free main events like Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania, and Summer Slam, WWE can expect a steep hike in popularity.
Lastly, WWE can attract lucrative sponsors now, taking the brand to new heights. Moreover,with a steady cash stream, WWE can extend its roster and outgrow the increasing competition.
Winding Up:
As we mentioned before, this deal is a win-win situation for both parties involved. For WWE fans, it’s the best thing for them in a while. Skyrocketing WWE’s popularity, this deal also establishes the authority of Netflix as a live-streaming platform.