How WWE NXT’s New CW Deal Is Expected To Change Things

WWE announced that NXT is going to the CW in October 2024. That is a big deal, and it will require fans to tune into a new channel to watch NXT, but it isn’t 100% confirmed that NXT will even be on Tuesdays.

Many fans thought that the CW was landing NWA. This came as a bit of a surprise to hear NXT go to the CW, but now it appears that is going to happen. It also appears that this NXT deal was in motion long before any rumors about the NWA broke.

Sean Sapp reported behind Fightful’s paywall that, “as of now, the plan is for NXT to remain on Tuesdays, however, there will be more conversations between CW and WWE in 2024 as the start date gets closer to nail that down.” The report went on to let fans know what they should expect from this new deal.

We’re told that the program is expected to remain very similar as it is now. WWE have been very happy with the viewership increases they’ve enjoyed in recent months, especially with the additions and cameos from main roster stars. From the NXT end, they’re hoping that continues now that the deal is hammered out. From a ratings, talent evaluation and performance standpoint, we’re told those involved in NXT are very happy with how that’s been working. 

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Talent that we spoke to from the NWA were surprised by this news, with one saying that they were blindsided by it. There was word that NWA was working on a deal with CW, but sources within WWE do not expect that to happen at this point. Beyond that, one of the shows NWA was said to be pushing was a reality series of some sort. 

NXT and Smackdown are now part of the updated rights fees landscape. The deal had been under discussion for several months, preceding the rumors of NWA and CW arrangements. WWE’s perspective indicates that the deal progressed rapidly, with a source expressing their contentment with the agreement. This is noteworthy since just five years ago, WWE didn’t receive rights fees for this product, and now they’ve significantly boosted their revenue for something they were already producing.

For WWE, this deal holds particular appeal because it brings a substantial rights fee increase and positions them on a basic network, expanding their potential audience base. On the TKO earnings call, a 70% increase in rights fees was acknowledged. However, WWE sources believe that when you take into account all aspects of the deal, it’s more akin to a 200% increase. While the specific numbers remain undisclosed, Deadline’s report stated that it doubled the $15 million price tag.

We will have to see what happens in the months to come. NXT has one more year left on the USA Network, before they will move to the CW, a network with a much larger base range as well.

Keep checking back with Ringside News for ongoing updates about this story, and so many more in the pro wrestling world. You never know what will happen next, especially when big money is at stake.

What’s your take on WWE NXT at this point? Let us know what you think about this in the comments section!