Kate Mills 
Jan 25, 2024
Netflix has announced its plan to stream World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) flagship weekly programme “RAW” from next year, 2025.
The video streaming platform has signed a $5 billion deal to acquire rights to broadcast live wrestling — a move that suggests that Netflix is taking a page from the old-school cable TV playbook.
The deal, contrary to the claims of company executives, sets the streaming pioneer on a collision course with traditional media as the streamer builds out its advertising business.
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It should be noted that Netflix will be able to combine its deep cache of prestige dramas such as "The Crown," reality shows like "Squid Game: The Challenge," and movies including Bradley Cooper's Oscar-nominated "Maestro," with the must-watch immediacy of live sports and entertainment.
Needham & Co. senior analyst Laura Martin said: "Streaming is recreating the cable bundle."
"All of these streamers are going to have to have news and sports. Live events drive new sign-ups."
Other streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Warner Bros Discovery’s Max, already offer live professional sports.
The WWE deal comes as streaming approaches the pervasiveness of cable TV in its heyday, prompting Netflix to pave new avenues of growth.
