The Hollywood Reporter is featuring an article about the news that broke earlier today that WWE has an agreement in principle with FOX right now to bring Smackdown Live to the broadcast network starting next Fall (October 2019).
According to the report, the new deal is estimated to be for five-years worth more than $1 billion according sources close to the ongoing negotiations. WWE and FOX representatives have still declined to comment on the reports that went public on Monday.
A third party has reportedly come forward with a higher bid for the rights to air Smackdown Live, but the report indicated WWE has “embraced Fox’s commitment” to promote Smackdown on major NFL and MLB programming.
As reported earlier, a report by The Wrap indicated that Smackdown would likely be moving to Friday night from its current Tuesday night time slot. Whether or not the show would continue or go back to being pre-taped remains to be seen.
It was also noted that Smackdown Live currently boasts the sixth largest audience among cable originals, including news programming. WWE was looked at as an attractive programming creator with networks like FOX seeking original live content.