WWE and Netflix have signed a monumental ten-year multi-billion dollar deal, with an annual value of $500 million. This partnership aims to elevate WWE’s documentary production by incorporating Netflix’s world-class creative talents.
F4WOnline reports that during the JPMorgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference, TKO Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro provided insights into the initial offerings from WWE on Netflix. Starting in January 2025, the streaming giant will feature a variety of WWE content. This includes a reality show titled Drive to Survive and several documentaries. Additionally, Monday Night RAW will air live on Netflix.
Shapiro highlighted that alongside RAW, there will be “a lot of ancillary shoulder programming.” The reality series will be modeled after the successful F1 racing docuseries that debuted in 2019. This series significantly boosted F1’s popularity and led to a lucrative three-year extension with ESPN in 2022, valued at $90 million annually, a substantial increase from their previous $5 million per year deal.
Moreover, Shapiro revealed that WWE plans to expand its partnership with Saudi Arabia within the next 6-12 months. Turki Al-Sheikh, the head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has hinted at an “enhancement” of the current deal, which could potentially include hosting a future WrestleMania or Royal Rumble in 2026 or 2027.
Lastly, Shapiro mentioned that the strategy moving forward will involve pairing UFC and WWE events. This approach aims to optimize attendance, site fees, and pricing, leveraging the combined fan bases of both organizations.
The multi-billion dollar partnership between WWE and Netflix marks a significant evolution in WWE’s content distribution and production capabilities. With world-class talent from Netflix enhancing WWE’s documentaries and reality programming, and the live-streaming of Monday Night RAW, fans can expect an unprecedented viewing experience starting in January 2025. Additionally, WWE’s expanding relationship with Saudi Arabia and the strategic pairing of UFC and WWE events promise to bring even more exciting developments and opportunities for the global wrestling community. This landmark deal signifies a new era for WWE, poised to captivate audiences worldwide with innovative and engaging content.
