As previously reported, WWE and NBC Universal are reportedly close to finalizing a deal that would keep RAW on the USA Network. The original story from The Hollywood Reporter stated that the new deal would only be for RAW at three times its current value. Meanwhile SmackDown is being shopped around to other networks.
According to Variety, frontrunners for acquiring the rights to SmackDown are FOX, Facebook and Amazon. According to Dave Meltzer on a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio, FOX is still interested in securing the rights to RAW as well as that deal has yet to be closed with NBC Universal.
WWE’s current deal with NBC Universal expires on September 30, 2019. They had publicly stated that they play to announce their U.S. distribution plans by September. WWE’s current contract with NBC Universal generated is estimated to average $150 million per year.