RUMOR: WWE Begins Negotiating New TV Deals With Networks. TNA At Risk?
Variety has an article revealing that WWE's current television licensing deals are set to expire some time early next year. Variety states that the broadcast rights for RAW, SmackDown, Main Event, Saturday Morning Slam and Total Divas will all expire simultaneously and that the WWE is attempting to secure higher broadcast fees the $139.5 million they are currently receiving.
NBC Universal which airs a big portion of WWE broadcasts has until February 15, 2014 to make a decision and issue a bid. WWE plans to select their media partners by March 2014.
The Variety article also states that the WWE has held meetings or reached out to Viacom. Viacom owns Spike TV, which airs Impact Wrestling. Numerous sources are now jumping the gun stating that If WWE were to sign a deal with Viacom, it could leave TNA off of SpikeTV.
TNA and SpikeTV announced a two year extension of broadcast rights in late 2012. Additionally, TNA Star Eric Young recently stated that TNA and Spike quietly agreed to a cumulative 5 year extension of broadcast rights.
Read more: http://www.tnainsider.com/view/tna-news/rumor-wwe-begins-negotiating-new-tv-deals-with-networks-tna-at-risk-r945#ixzz2o1tM48P7
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