Major News On If WWE Renewed With NBCUniversal, WWE Issues Statement
As noted earlier, the negotiating period between WWE and NBCUniversal to keep RAW and SmackDown on the USA Network and SyFy expired late last week. WWE and NBCU were unable to reach a deal, and WWE will now be shopping their programming to other distributors.
WWE could still sign a new agreement with NBCU, as they have the right to match any offer that WWE may receive. Both RAW and SmackDown will continue to air on the USA Network and Syfy until September 30th, regardless of whichever deal WWE will broker.
WWE issued the following statement:
"WWE's exclusive negotiating period with NBCU for our flagship television programs, Raw and SmackDown, has now expired. While we were unable to reach an agreement with NBCU during this period, we have certainly appreciated our long and productive partnership. With year-round, live programming that is highly coveted by programmers, distributors and advertisers, we are extremely excited about our future. We look forward to engaging with potential partners who recognize the value of having the No. 1 show on cable and live content delivered 52 weeks a year."