According to a report by Michael McCarthy of Sporting News, Fox wants WWE even at the expense of UFC. RAW would be featured on FOX, while Smackdown would be aired on FOX Sports (FS1). It was noted that FOX just won the rights to NFL Thursday Night Football, and a deal with WWE would likely mean the end of the network’s relationship with UFC, as their contract expires this year.

Sources speaking with Sporting News cited WWE and UFC’s likely rights fee being another reason for the change, as it was said both companies are looking for up to $400 million per year. It was noted that FOX would likely pay that money for WWE; UFC currently nets $120 million a year for their current rights.WWE’s deal with USA expires on Sept. 30, 2019, at $280 million and they are currently in an exclusive negotiating period with each other until this spring.

WWE spokeswoman Annie Kruger declined to comment to Sporting News about any ongoing negotiations besides noting WWE’s US television partner will be announced between May and September.

My Thoughts:

Fox is absolutely all in on obtaining WWE. However please keep in mind, you are only hearing all this Fox talk for a reason. It’s of my experience and opinion that WWE is absolutely leaking this to the media. This puts NBC in a position of having to pay atleast $400m and considering putting Raw on national television. I find it interesting that we’ve seen nothing about NBC in these talks, which makes me feel like they haven’t yet presented their best offer. Remember this, NBC will have final opportunity to match or exceed an offer regardless WWE stands to hit almost half a billion dollars in their new deal. I guess their “ratings decline” since the attitude era isnt that big of a deal afterall, is it?

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