WWE's Media Rights Negotiation Window Expires with No Deal, WWE Free to Explore Other Options

**June 12, 2023**

WWE's exclusive media rights negotiation window with NBCUniversal and Fox has reportedly expired with no deal agreed upon, meaning WWE is now free to explore deals with other parties.

There has reportedly been early interest expressed by Amazon and Disney, with Disney apparently intending to place WWE programming on their FX Network. Putting WWE on ESPN was also an option, but with Disney exploring spinning off all ESPN content into its own streaming platform, WWE on FX seems the most likely future.

WWE's current network deals expire on October 2024, so there is still plenty of negotiating time. However, with the window now closed, WWE is under no obligation to continue negotiations with NBCUniversal or Fox.

It remains to be seen who WWE will ultimately end up signing a deal with, but the fact that two major media companies have already expressed interest is a good sign for the company. WWE is one of the most popular sports entertainment brands in the world, and its programming is sure to be a valuable asset to any network that secures its rights.

**Additional Information**

* Amazon is reportedly interested in acquiring WWE's programming in order to bolster its Prime Video streaming service.

* Disney is reportedly interested in acquiring WWE's programming in order to expand its reach into the sports entertainment market.

* WWE's current network deals with NBCUniversal and Fox are worth a combined $2 billion per year.

* WWE is expected to command a significant increase in its media rights fees when it signs a new deal.

**What does this mean for fans?**

The expiration of WWE's exclusive media rights negotiation window means that fans could soon see WWE programming on a new network. This could lead to changes in the way that WWE is produced and presented, as well as changes in the way that fans can watch it.

It is also possible that WWE could increase the price of its pay-per-view events in order to offset the higher cost of its media rights fees. However, it is also possible that WWE could find ways to keep its prices low by negotiating creative deals with its new broadcast partners.

Only time will tell what the long-term impact of this development will be on WWE fans. However, it is clear that this is a significant moment in the company's history.