WWE Virtually Absent From NBC Universal Upfront Presentation

WWE is in the middle of talking with networks about their next set of television rights deals. That being said, NXT might not be a priority for NBCU at this point.

The NBCU Upfronts are going on today, and that brought a bit of a surprise. Much like FOX’s upfront presentation, WWE is not featured at all.

PW Insider noted that NXT has not been represented during the NBC Universal upfronts at all. In fact, WWE has very little coverage during the event. This is very interesting, because the company is engaged in talks to renew their deals.

NBC just completed their upfront presentation for the new season for advertising partners at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall.

Advertising

Advertising

With the exception of WWE content being included in a video package promoting the Peacock streaming service, there was no mention of WWE programming nor any appearances by WWE personalities.

WWE’s current agreement with NBC Universal for WWE NXT expires this September.  Their agreement for Raw on the USA Network expires at the end of 2023.  Their deal with Peacock to house WWE Network programming as well as live WWE events runs through January 2026.

WWE has a lot of things going on, and Vince McMahon’s return to the company was to usher in a sale and help with television rights deals. We know that Endeavor will merge UFC and WWE, and that just leaves the company’s huge television rights deals.

A lot of options are on the table for WWE at this point. The fact that they are not featured during NBC Universal’s upfront presentation could tip some people off that talks aren’t going too well.

What’s your take on this situation with WWE’s television rights deals? Who do you hope lands the contracts? Sound off in the comments!