With NBC Universal opting to allow SmackDown LIVE to go to open bidding after choosing not to re-sign the show to a new contract, it had left many wondering which network SmackDown could end up on.
According to a report by Variety the top candidates to pick up SmackDown Live are FOX, Amazon, and Facebook.
It is interesting that 2 of the 3 potential candidates to land SmackDown are actually streaming services. One of those possible streaming services mentioned by Variety is Facebook, which WWE has already “tested the waters” with when they recently ran their Mixed Match Challenge Series on Facebook’s streaming platform – “Facebook Watch”.
The other streaming service which could end up the home for SmackDown Live was Amazon. Amazon’s streaming service “Amazon Prime” is an even more interesting choice, if for no other reason than they recently began beta testing back in February, and announced that UFC PPV’s will begin airing on their Prime service starting with UFC 222. Amazon was also reported to be interested in securing rights to air UFC content once their exclusive deal with FOX expires at the end of 2018.
We will keep you updated as more information regarding WWE’s TV negotiations becomes available.
