Netflix’s WWE partnership is nearing its two-year mark. Gabe Spitzer, Vice President Global Live Sports and Entertainment for Netflix says results are exceeding expectations both domestically and internationally.
What We Know: Netflix and WWE signed a $5 billion, ten-year deal announced in January 2024. The agreement took effect in January 2025, giving Netflix exclusive U.S. rights to Raw and all WWE programming internationally. Gabe Spitzer, Netflix’s VP of Global Live Sports and Entertainment, discussed the partnership with Richard Deitsch on the Sports Media podcast. Additionally, WWE has begun meeting with Netflix’s film and scripted teams about talent crossovers.
What They Said: (All quotes via Sports Media podcast w/Richard Deitsch):
Gabe Spitzer, Vice President Global Live Sports and Entertainment for Netflix is happy with the WWE partnership with Netflix in the U.S.: “We knew in the U.S. with something like Raw, having that every week, there’s going to be that passionate, loyal fan base, and they were going to show up. They have come in expected ways over to Netflix and predictable ways. So it’s hit you know every metric that we hoped for on the U.S. side.”
Gabe Spitzer, Vice President Global Live Sports and Entertainment for Netflix on surprising growth globally with WWE and Netflix: “I think the place where we’ve been surprised in a good way, and that will continue to grow, is outside of the U.S. That’s really where we see the potential to continue to grow this partnership. Is in the U.S. we have Raw only. Outside of the U.S. and in most countries around the world, we’re the home for all of WWE.”
Gabe Spitzer, Vice President Global Live Sports and Entertainment for Netflix on how the WWE works with Netflix on global event planning: “It’s been cool to see as different countries have come online. As example, Italy this year came online and they did a big PLE, the Clash in Italy there shortly after. So, they’re working with us and they’re saying, ‘Hey, what are the countries you want to continue to grow, or how can we boost that viewership, or can we bring in an event there?'”
Gabe Spitzer, Vice President Global Live Sports and Entertainment for Netflix on navigating more WWE talent into Netflix programming: “I think we’re constantly meeting with other WWE talent to see if there’s a fit in the sports space. They’ve been great partners and trying to volunteer that time. I would say not just in sports. They’re meeting with our film and scripted series teams. How can we cast some of those superstars in some of our shows? That creates that larger cohesiveness across Netflix that I think can help with the WWE. Help them, and help us in terms of viewership too, to create more of that fan affinity.”
What Remains Unclear: Spitzer didn’t detail specific viewership numbers behind the U.S. “every metric” claim. It’s also unclear how many additional global markets could host WWE premium live events beyond Italy.
What It Means: Spitzer’s remarks suggest Netflix sees WWE as more than a U.S. viewership play. Instead, international growth and cross-platform talent deals appear central to the partnership’s next phase. Consequently, WWE could become more embedded across Netflix’s broader content slate, not just its sports lineup. Ultimately, that expansion may deepen fan affinity while strengthening the agreement’s long-term value.
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