Netflix Strikes Landmark $5 Billion Deal with WWE for Exclusive Streaming Rights

Netflix announced a long-term live streaming and broadcasting agreement with WWE. The move aligns with Netflix’s strategy to enter into the streaming service’s expanding focus on sports content.

Starting in 2025, Netflix will exclusively host “Raw,” WWE’s flagship show since 1993, initially in the United States. The deal includes global streaming of WWE shows and live events as rights become available.

Valued at $5 billion for a decade, the agreement allows Netflix to extend for another ten years or withdraw after five.

Mark Shapiro, president of TKO, WWE’s parent company, described the deal as groundbreaking. He highlighted the synergy between WWE’s popularity and Netflix’s global platform, ensuring stable, long-term revenue.

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“Raw” has been instrumental in the rise of stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and John Cena. It remains the top-rated show on the USA network, owned by NBCUniversal.

WWE’s success largely stems from Vince McMahon’s entrepreneurship. Since acquiring the then-World Wrestling Federation in 1982, McMahon has transformed it into a global entertainment powerhouse, achieving over a billion dollars in annual sales last year.

This deal is part of a trend among streaming services to acquire live sports content. Last month, Netflix secured rights to a high-profile tennis match and previously streamed a golf tournament featuring Formula One drivers and professionals.

Amazon recently invested $115 million in Diamond Sports Group, gaining regional sports broadcasting rights in the United States. It also holds rights to various prominent sports leagues and events.

Similarly, Apple TV owns global rights for US Major League Soccer, marking its entry into the sports broadcasting domain.