As noted earlier today, NBCUniversal (USA Network parent company) held their Upfronts presentation at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, while FOX issued a press release for the fall season, but there were no significant WWE representation.
The NBCU presentation included WWE content in a video to promote Peacock, but there was no real WWE mention or appearances by WWE personalities. FOX’s press release, seen below, does not mention WWE at all.
In an update, it was noted by PWInsider that a big piece of the reason WWE was left out of today’s Upfronts and press release is because WWE programming is now housed under the sports divisions of the networks, and today’s announcements were by, and pushing for, the entertainment side of those companies, according to WWE sources.
It was also noted that an all-hands-on-deck meeting for WWE employees is scheduled for Wednesday. It remains to be seen what will be discussed, but the meeting has been planned for some time, and is not a late or unforeseen addition to the company schedule.
As we’ve noted, WWE’s one-month exclusivity window for TV rights fees with FOX and NBC is coming to an end soon, if they have not expired already. The current RAW and SmackDown TV deals expire in 2024, but WWE is looking to wrap those up soon. NBCU’s deal for WWE NXT on the USA Network expires in September, while Peacock’s exclusive deal to distribute the WWE Network and WWE Premium Live Events runs through 2026.
