It’s upfront season in New York. Networks are meeting with the advertising community to show off what they have coming for the remainder of the year. On Monday afternoon, FOX took the stage.
While plenty of the FOX Sports portfolio and personalities were shown off at the event, one name that was notably absent was the WWE. Smackdown has been the centerpiece of the network’s Friday schedule since October 2019.
The deal between FOX and the WWE is set to expire after 2024. Lachlan Murdoch has said publicly that the network is happy with the WWE, but the two sides have not yet discussed an extension.
Endeavor announced that it had acquired the WWE in April. The company plans to pair professional wrestling with the UFC to form a new company. While the UFC’s media rights with ESPN expire soon, there will be no joint deal for both promotions.
Still, the involvement of Endeavor likely means that there will be no quick process. Part of Vince McMahon agreeing to sell the WWE was about increasing value for the company in all phases, including media rights.
FOX also did not mention Smackdown in a press release touting the fall lineup either. There is no reason to say that a deal to renew FOX’s relationship with Smackdown will not get done. It is simply not done yet.
