Reports Suggest WWE and NBC Universal Have Struck a Deal

As noted in the past, 2014 is going to be a big year for WWE in terms of its television rights. The company’s deal with NBC Universal was set to expire this year, possibly meaning WWE could sign on with a different company, presuming that NBC Universal did not match a new deal.

While it was possible that WWE’s flagship programs in “Monday Night Raw” and “WWE Smackdown” would no longer be on USA Network and Syfy respectively, it appears that WWE will stay with NBC Universal. According to a recent report by F4WOnline, many people within the television industry believe that WWE and NBC Universal have already come to terms on a deal, which would keep WWE programming on its channels.

In the report, is speculated that WWE may allow NBCU to announce the deal at its upcoming up-fronts in New York City on Thursday. For the past couple of years, NBCU has had its cable up-front ceremonies separate for its wide range of channels. However, this year, it will be one mega-event for all 17 of its channels, some of which were just used on Sunday, May 11, as part of a mega-cast for the final day of the English Premier League.

Editor’s Note

I didn’t really have any preference as to what direction WWE went with its television rights. Now, it appears that the matter will come to a close soon, as something official may be announced in the near future.