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What's the story?
On the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer provided an update on the possibility of the WWE moving their programming to the FOX network family in the fall of 2019. Based on Meltzer's latest report, it seems that the move could be imminent.
In case you didn't know...
Sportskeeda originally reported on the WWE potentially moving to FOX in January when there were rumors that Vince McMahon was looking to sell the WWE. The rumors of the sale have gone down since, but the talk of moving networks are very real.
A change in networks could result with Monday Night Raw being on broadcast television for the first time; which means Raw would be two hours since local news on FOX airs at 10 PM Eastern (an hour earlier than other networks).
The heart of the matter
Meltzer stated that the talks between FOX and the UFC weren't going well. Many believe if the UFC leaves FOX then the WWE will almost certainly make the move over.
Reports are that FOX is offering the UFC only $200 million where the UFC is asking for nearly $450 million on a new television deal. The reason for FOX offering less money is the fact that the UFC programming is not earning high ratings for the company.
The contract between the WWE and NBC Universal (which includes the USA Network) expires on September 30, 2019. It is being rumored that FOX will offer a similar amount to what they were paying the UFC because of their constant ability to draw viewers every week.
What's next?
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda for the latest on a potential move in networks for the WWE. Even though the WWE's contract doesn't expire until the fall of 2019, a deal will be in place much sooner.
Author's take
If the UFC and FOX are $250 million apart in negotiations like Meltzer is reporting, then I think it's a foregone conclusion that the WWE is moving to FOX and the UFC will have to look for a new home.
I have seen the ratings for UFC events and they definitely pale in comparison to what Raw and SmackDown get on a weekly basis. If the move does happen, it will definitely be interesting to see Monday Night Raw on broadcast television and condensed by an hour.
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