In a significant move to expand its presence in the live sports broadcasting arena, Netflix has announced a multi-year agreement to exclusively broadcast WWE Raw in the United States. The deal also includes international distribution of the program in Canada, Latin America, and the United Kingdom, with rights set to take effect from January 2025.
The agreement, which is said to last for 10 years, is reportedly worth more than $5 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. This marks Netflix’s latest venture into live sports, following its initial foray into the field with a celebrity golf exhibition last November.
In addition to its newly acquired rights to WWE Raw, Netflix is set to broadcast an exhibition match between 22-time tennis Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal and current world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz on March 3 this year. The streaming giant’s increasing focus on live sports content is indicative of its efforts to diversify its offerings and attract a wider audience.
This move comes as Netflix continues to face stiff competition from other streaming platforms, all vying for a larger share of the global entertainment industry. With this latest agreement, Netflix seeks to solidify its position as a key player in the sports broadcasting landscape.
The acquisition of exclusive rights to WWE Raw represents a significant investment for Netflix and underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its portfolio of live sports programming. As the streaming wars heat up, it will be interesting to see how this move impacts the overall sports broadcasting landscape in the years to come.
The article is sourced from Jiemian News and published for informational purposes only. It is important to note that the content does not constitute investment advice and individuals should act accordingly at their own risk.