WWE SmackDown Set For TV Bidding War?

A new home for SmackDown Live?

by Andy H Murray
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WWE.com

WWE Raw looks set to remain on the USA Network after the company's current set of TV rights expire in September 2019, but the same can't be said for SmackDown.

This is according to a new write-up from The Hollywood Reporter, who state that NBCUniversal are keen to retain Raw in a deal that could close at up to three times the currently contract's value, but will let SmackDown go to open bidding.

WWE and NBCU both declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations. Fox has been speculated as a new home for SmackDown, though this should be taken with a hint of cynicism.

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NBCU have held the rights to SmackDown since 2010, paying a reported $30 million for the franchise. Initially airing on SyFy, they moved SD to USA full time in January 2016, but while it currently boasts the sixth biggest audience among original cable shows, the blue brand will likely be ditched in favour of keeping Raw.

WWE spokeswoman Annie Kruger told Sporting News in March that the company intended on unveiling their new TV partners sometime between May and September. An announcement could therefore be imminent, but for now, it's all speculative.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.