This week’s WWE SmackDown may encounter broadcast disruptions due to ongoing disputes involving NBC Universal and YouTube. The WWE SmackDown broadcasting dispute centers on contract disagreements that could impact the show’s availability on the USA Network, where it currently airs in the United States.
Recent Shifts in WWE’s Broadcast Partnerships
WWE has undergone several broadcasting changes recently. ESPN secured exclusive rights to all WWE Premium Live Events in the U.S. for the next five years, beginning with last weekend’s Wrestlepalooza. Meanwhile, Netflix took over as the new platform for Monday Night RAW, extending its reach by streaming various WWE shows internationally. Since September last year, Friday Night SmackDown has been part of NBCUniversal’s lineup, shown on the USA Network.
The NBCUniversal and YouTube Contract Dispute
A recent Deadline report revealed that NBCUniversal, owner of the USA Network, is in a tense contract negotiation with YouTube over fees for airing NBCU channels on YouTube TV. Their existing deal expires on September 30, and NBCU has threatened to remove its channels from YouTube TV if no resolution is reached. This dispute directly threatens WWE SmackDown’s broadcast continuity on that platform.
Additionally, disagreements involve Peacock, NBCU’s streaming service. YouTube requests full integration of Peacock’s content into its platform to reduce the need for switching apps, but NBCUniversal refuses to allow this. YouTube counters by arguing that NBCU is demanding higher fees than those charged directly to Peacock’s own subscribers, intensifying the stalemate.
Wider Impact Beyond Wrestling Programming
This dispute extends far beyond WWE SmackDown. NBCUniversal has alerted its YouTube TV subscribers that a blackout could affect access not only to wrestling but also to major sports and entertainment programming. Viewers might lose access to Sunday Night Football, NBA games, Big Ten football, the Premier League, and popular reality shows such as The Voice and The Real Housewives.
The looming threat of a blackout underscores the tension between streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters over content distribution and fees, revealing the fragile nature of current TV rights agreements. This week’s WWE SmackDown will be a critical test of whether these negotiations will resolve in time to avoid disruption for fans.
