After failed negotiations between the WWE and NBC Universal on a new licensing agreement, the two companies reached an eleventh-hour deal. Now Monday Night Raw and the newly live Smackdown programs will stay on the USA Network.
During a window of exclusive talks WWE and NBCU were unable to reach a licensing agreement for WWE's weekly programs, but ultimately they found even footing. Said NBCU Cable chairman Bonnie Hammer (via Variety):
"In today's TV landscape, live event programming is an extraordinarily valuable asset, and WWE remains the only entertainment franchise that consistently delivers this on a 52-week a year basis. We look forward to bringing WWE's action-packed and unique brand of drama to the wide audiences across our cable networks for many years to come."
Before a deal was reached, both sides remained positive in statements to the press and seemed open to the idea of closing the deal even after the exclusive window ran out. WWE did manage to establish themselves as an essential commodity in a released statement however (via Variety):
"The exclusive window was available to NBCU through Feb. 15, giving the company the opportunity to accept or reject WWE's final offer.
"'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.'"
With two live programs a week all year long and a dedicated fan base, NBC Universal probably did the right thing in holding on to the WWE's business.
What do you think? Do you think the WWE had a way better bargaining position? Did NBCU make a mistake not sealing the deal earlier?
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