Key Takeaways:
– Netflix acquires the exclusive streaming rights to WWE’s flagship weekly wrestling show, ‘Raw’, in a decade-long deal worth over $5 billion.
– The move to Netflix will begin in January 2025, giving the platform exclusive rights to stream WWE content in multiple international territories.
– This landmark deal signifies Netflix’s continued expansion into live streaming events, following its entry into the field in 2023.
– The WWE-Netflix partnership has been hailed by former professional wrestler, Triple H, as potentially heralding the end of cable.
– Netflix extends its reach into combat sports with the live streaming of the much-anticipated boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul.
Netflix is stepping into the wrestling arena with a bang, securing an exclusive $5 billion, decade-long contract for WWE’s flagship program, Monday Night Raw, as per the agreement announced by Netflix and WWE’s parent company, TKO Group. This pivotal deal is set to kick off in January 2025 (source: [FandomWire](https://fandomwire.com/the-day-cable-died-triple-h-talks-about-5-billion-netflix-deal-calls-jake-paul-a-genius-for-ditching-ppv-model-to-fight-mike-tyson/)).
A New Chapter for Netflix and WWE
The announcement symbolizes a crucial step forward for Netflix in its live event endeavor. The streaming giant’s previous foray into airing live content started with Chris Rock’s comedy special, ‘Selective Outrage’, in March 2023. A series of successful live broadcasts followed, cementing Netflix’s place in the live event broadcasting sector.
The acquisition brings WWE’s content into over 200 million homes worldwide, attracting a variety of audiences across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the United Kingdom, with plans to conquer more territories.
An Exciting Time for Combat Sports
The deal also includes rights to stream WWE’s other episodes and specials outside the US. This move complements Netflix’s recent ventures into combat sports. A prime example is the upcoming fight between Mike Tyson and YouTube star turned boxer, Jake Paul. This “boxing mega-event” set for July 20 will be a live-streamed joint venture between Netflix and Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.
Boxing matches have traditionally been broadcasted on a pay-per-view model, but Paul’s decision to embrace the evolving landscape of content consumption aligns with Netflix’s audience-friendly approach.
The Advent of Streaming Over Cable
In a recent appearance on the Impaulsive podcast, Triple H praised the WWE’s collaboration with Netflix. He discussed how the partnership paves the way to a broader audience reach and stated, “That might potentially be seen the day cable died”. This transition from cable to streaming presents an opportunity for content providers to reach people in the ever-expanding digital world.
Changing the Game: Netflix’s Emerging Sports Portfolio
The impact of this partnership extends past live events. By acquiring the rights to ‘Raw’, Netflix is set to become a major player in the sports documentary market. Boasting documentaries about athletes and teams from NFL, MLB, NBA, Formula 1, and pro tennis, Netflix offers an extensive range of sports-related content.
Overall, this $5 billion deal is a game-changer in the digital space. It reinforces Netflix’s commitment to bring more varied and valuable content to its global subscribers and reflects the evolving entertainment industry’s embracing of streaming over traditional broadcasting mediums. As this partnership unfolds over the coming decade, it will undoubtedly influence the way we consume sports and entertainment, shaping the future of live event streaming.
