Is Smackdown Leaving Fox? Why is Smackdown Leaving Fox?
by Swetha P
Updated Sep 22, 2023
Is Smackdown Leaving Fox?
Yes, "WWE SmackDown" is leaving Fox next year. The show had been airing on Fox since October 2019 as part of a five-year deal between Fox and WWE. However, this deal is set to expire, and "SmackDown" will make its way back to the USA Network in October 2024.
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WWE SmackDown
"WWE SmackDown" is a popular and long-running professional wrestling television program produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It is a part of WWE's weekly programming and has a significant fan following worldwide. "SmackDown" features a mix of scripted storylines, character-driven rivalries, and intense in-ring action, making it a staple in the world of sports entertainment.
Over the years, "SmackDown" has been broadcast on various networks, including USA Network and Fox. It has served as a platform for WWE's top superstars to showcase their talents and engage in memorable matches and feuds. The show's move back to the USA Network in October 2024, as part of a new media rights agreement, marks another chapter in its storied history.
Why is Smackdown Leaving Fox?
The decision for "WWE SmackDown" to depart from Fox and return to the USA Network is part of a strategic shift in WWE's media rights agreements. While the precise details behind this move have not been publicly disclosed, it is likely tied to the terms and conditions of the new agreement forged between WWE, TKO Group Holdings, and NBCUniversal.
WWE, as a dynamic and evolving entertainment entity, frequently assesses its partnerships and distribution channels to maximize its reach and adapt to changing market dynamics. Therefore, the decision to transition "SmackDown" back to the USA Network can be seen as part of WWE's ongoing strategy to explore new opportunities and avenues for its programming. As WWE continues to evolve and innovate, its media rights decisions play a crucial role in shaping the future of sports entertainment broadcasting.
Why Did Smackdown Move to Fox?
The move of "WWE SmackDown" to Fox in October 2019 was a pivotal moment in WWE's broadcasting history. This transition was primarily driven by WWE's strategic vision to broaden its reach and appeal to a larger, mainstream audience. By securing a deal with Fox, one of the major networks in the United States, WWE aimed to elevate its brand and gain exposure to a broader demographic.
Fox's extensive reach and reputation as a major player in the television industry provided WWE with a significant platform to showcase its thrilling sports entertainment content. This move was not only about expanding WWE's audience but also about solidifying its presence in the world of mainstream entertainment.
WWE SmackDown to Air NBC Primetime Shows
In a noteworthy development, "WWE SmackDown" is set to diversify its programming by airing NBC primetime shows. This move signifies an expansion of WWE's presence in the primetime television landscape. As part of a new media rights agreement, WWE has committed to producing four primetime specials per year that will be featured on NBC, one of the prominent broadcast networks in the United States.
This marks a significant shift for WWE, as it steps into the realm of primetime programming on a major network like NBC. While the exact nature of these primetime specials, whether they will feature live wrestling or take a different format, is still being determined, this move underscores WWE's efforts to engage with a broader audience and explore new avenues for its captivating sports entertainment content.
Is Smackdown Moving to USA Network?
Yes, "WWE SmackDown" is making a return to the USA Network. The show was previously on USA Network from 2016 to 2019 before it moved to Fox. Starting in October 2024, it will once again be part of the USA Network's programming lineup.
Is Smackdown Leaving Fox - FAQs
"SmackDown" is set to leave Fox and return to the USA Network in October 2024.
"SmackDown" moved to Fox in 2019 to expand WWE's audience and reach by airing on a major network.
Yes, WWE will produce four primetime specials per year that will air on NBC as part of the new agreement.
WWE is adjusting its media rights package to explore new opportunities and partnerships while delivering its content to a broad audience.