Nick Khan offers multiple updates on WWE RAW and SmackDown as the expiration of WWE‘s media rights deals is on the horizon.
Speaking at the JP Morgan Global Technology, Media & Communications Conference, WWE CEO Nick Khan was asked about WWE RAW and SmackDown as their media rights deals will be up in 2024. Khan noted that the company is open to expanding SmackDown.
“We’re still open to a third [hour of SmackDown,” Khan said.
Khan also stated that WWE shows, including Raw and SmackDown, can be moved to any night of the week.
“We can go any night of the week. We can move off Fridays for SmackDown. We can move off Mondays for RAW,” Khan said.
The WWE CEO then stated that WWE RAW is currently three hours, and the company doesn’t “anticipate that changing.” He also expressed that they are having talks about potentially making the last hour more adult-themed in order to appeal to that audience. Khan emphasized the importance of keeping the base audience happy and noted that potentially adding a more adult show to another night of the week could be a possibility.
“As we talk through new nights of the week and new content, is that something we could do with an additional show,” Khan said.
Khan also was asked about the media rights exclusive windows for WWE TV, and he answered by stating that they are “out” of the window with Fox, but WWE is still in it with NBCUniversal. He stated that they are trying to get the maximum value for WWE content, and they expect to get something great.
Khan then confirmed that the rights deals are up in October 2024, but if the right deal comes along in 2023 and there’s an opportunity to close it, they will.
Click here to see what Khan previously said about WWE potentially moving to a streaming service.
