The new television home for WWE SmackDown Live has reportedly been revealed.
Darren Rovell of ESPN is reporting that the sports entertainment company has agreed to make Fox the new home of the blue brand next year. It was noted in this article that the TV network came to the WWE with what was described as a “massive” offer.
As of this writing, there are not a ton of facts other than the deal will kick in October 2019. The Wrap is reporting that SmackDown Live will air on Friday nights on Fox.
WWE stock is through the roof on this news of SmackDown moving to the Fox broadcast network. As of this writing, WWE stock is up nearly 11% for the day. At an all-time-high of $57 per share, WWE now has a market cap of $4.4 billion.
It was reported by the Hollywood Reporter last Thursday that NBC Universal declined to agree to the deal that WWE proposed to keep SmackDown Live on the USA Network. However, it’s been reported that the TV network wants to keep WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night RAW, and are willing to pay them big money in order for that to happen.
WWE has talked with the USA Network, Fox, Disney, CBS, Amazon, and YouTube. It has been rumored for months that WWE could end up signing with Fox with the expectation that If WWE signed with Fox, then Monday Night RAW would go to Fox while SmackDown Live would go to Fox Sports 1.
What are your thoughts on Fox acquiring the rights to air SmackDown Live? Sound off in the comment section below.
