In a groundbreaking move, WWE, a part of TKO Group Holdings, Inc., and Netflix have entered into a long-term partnership that will see WWE’s flagship weekly program, Raw, make its exclusive debut on the leading streaming service starting January 2025. This historic development marks a significant shift for Raw, which has been a staple of linear television for the past 31 years since its inception.
Under the agreement, Netflix will become the exclusive home for Raw in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Latin America, with plans to expand to additional countries and regions over time. Moreover, Netflix will serve as the primary platform for all WWE shows and specials outside the U.S., including SmackDown and NXT, as well as Premium Live Events such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble. The deal extends beyond weekly programming, as WWE’s documentaries, original series, and upcoming projects will also be available on Netflix internationally, beginning in 2025.
Mark Shapiro, TKO President and COO, emphasized the transformative nature of the deal, stating that it combines the can’t-miss WWE product with Netflix’s extensive global reach, promising significant and predictable economics for years to come. Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria expressed excitement about having WWE Raw on the platform, highlighting the potential for delivering more joy and value to audiences.
Nick Khan, WWE President, lauded Netflix’s storytelling track record, deeming it the ideal long-term home for Raw’s dedicated fan base. With over 1,600 episodes to date, Raw has become an iconic show in sports entertainment, providing action, compelling drama, and unmatched athleticism throughout the year. The three-hour program has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of wrestling legends like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Triple H, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Bianca Belair, and Charlotte Flair.
Raw currently stands as the No. 1 show on the USA Network, drawing in 17.5 million unique viewers annually. It consistently trends on social media platforms, boasting more than one billion followers across WWE’s social channels. This strategic partnership between WWE and Netflix represents a major shift in the media landscape, enhancing WWE’s global reach and ushering in a new era for wrestling fans on the streaming platform.
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