WWE Smackdown returning to USA Network; Raw and NXT leaving NBC?

WWE Smackdown is returning to USA Network following a new deal between TKO Group Holdings and NBCUniversal.

The five year deal will run from October 2024 through to October 2029.

WWE will also produce four primetime specials per year that will air on NBC, marking the first time WWE will air on the network in primetime.

“NBCUniversal has been a tremendous partner of WWE for decades,” said WWE President Nick Khan.

“We are excited to extend this longstanding relationship by bringing SmackDown to USA Network on Friday nights and look forward to debuting multiple WWE special events annually on NBC.”

Smackdown has spent the last four years on Fox, where it regularly ranks as the number one show in the 18-49 advertising demographic on Friday nights and features many WWE Superstars including John Cena, Roman Reigns, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, and Rey Mysterio.

There is no news on Raw and NXT – which currently air on USA – but the Hollywood Reporter and Wall Street Journal are reporting neither Raw or NXT will have its rights renewed by NBCUniversal.

The Wall Street Journal also reports the new deal for Smackdown to be worth around $1.4 billion, a 40% increase from WWE’s previous deal with Fox.