Is WWE Getting Raw Deal From USA Network?
Company could switch to Facebook instead, says analyst.
A BTIG analyst has suggested that WWE is selling itself short in its current network deal with USA (via Decider).
In his report, Brandon Ross wrote that the company could fetch nearly three times the $140m it currently pulls in for Raw and SmackDown broadcast rights.
The rate of pay is said to be a relatively low one because of the uncertainty that surrounded the company's television future in 2014, the time at which the current deal was agreed.
Ross suggests that it was unclear at that moment what effect the launch of the WWE Network - which facilitates catch-up viewing - would have on TV ratings.
But given that viewers of live sports don't tend to skip commercials, it is claimed that WWE could look to bring in more revenue from the 260 hours of TV programming it airs annually.
And it is speculated that WWE could follow the lead of the NFL, which is purportedly looking to entertain TV rights offers from web giants such as Amazon and Facebook.
The existing Raw and SmackDown deal expires in September 2019.