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What is the XFL, and does it still exist?

  What transpired with the alternative to the NFL? As American football prepares for its pinnacle event of the season, the clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, viewers have alternatives to the NFL, notably the XFL. The XFL, now in its third iteration, was first introduced in 2001 for a single season, followed by a unsuccessful relaunch in 2020. The current revival commenced in 2023. The original XFL, initiated in 2001 by former WWE owner Vince McMahon in collaboration with NBC, aimed to capitalize on the post-Super Bowl and off-season football fervor. Marketed as an 'alternative' to the NFL, the XFL adopted a more intense and 'violent' style akin to WWE programming. Despite a promising start, interest waned due to the game quality, leading to its demise after just one season. McMahon retained the trademark and attempted a relaunch in 2020, but it was cut short after a single season due to the COVID-19 pande...
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Netflix secures a deal reportedly valued at 'US$5 billion' to be the exclusive worldwide platform for WWE Raw starting in 2025.

 


Netflix has inked a groundbreaking ten-year, 'US$5 billion' agreement with WWE, securing exclusive global broadcasting rights for Monday Night Raw, including the US, starting from 2025. This monumental deal, marking Netflix's largest foray into live sports, signifies a historic shift for Raw, WWE's flagship show, as it departs from traditional linear television for the first time in Netflix's 31-year history.

Reportedly, the annual contract value of US$500 million surpasses NBCUniversal's current annual payment of US$250 million to US$260 million for airing Raw on its USA network until October 2024. The transition period between the NBCUniversal contract's end and the commencement of Netflix's arrangement remains unclear.

While NBCUniversal retains ties with WWE, taking over as the US broadcaster for Friday Night SmackDown from Fox in October, a deal worth US$1.4 billion, Netflix's pact includes international rights to WWE's other content and premium live events. This encompasses Smackdown, NXT, original programming, and major events like Wrestlemania and the Royal Rumble, becoming available on Netflix in key markets, effectively replacing WWE Network.

The WWE Network has already been phased out in the US, integrating its programming into NBC's Peacock over-the-top (OTT) streaming service in a US$1 billion deal believed to extend until 2026. Mark Shapiro, CEO of TKO, formed post the WWE and UFC merger, describes the Netflix deal as transformative, altering and strengthening the media landscape, expanding WWE's reach significantly, and ensuring substantial and predictable economics for years. Netflix's Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, expresses excitement about having WWE Raw on Netflix, combining their global reach and recommendations to deliver more joy and value to audiences and members. Bajaria emphasizes Raw's status as the pinnacle of sports entertainment, blending captivating characters and storytelling with live action throughout the year, marking a thrilling long-term partnership with WWE.




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