Instead of starting its own TV network, the WWE announced it will have its own subscription-only online streaming service that will air programs round-the-clock.
The WWE Network, launching February 24 in the United States, will be the first-ever 24/7 streaming network. It will include all 12 WWE live pay-per-view events, as well as original programming, reality shows, documentaries, classic matches, and over 1,500 hours of video on demand. In addition, there will be encores of episodes of Monday Night Raw and Friday Night Smackdown after they air on USA Network and SyFy.
“Today [Wednesday, Jan. 8] is a historic day for WWE as we transform and reimagine how we deliver our premium live content and 24/7 programming directly to our fans around the world,” WWE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon stated. “WWE Network will provide transformative growth for our company and unprecedented value for our fans.”
The streaming service will cost $9.99 per month with a six-month commitment. Audiences will be able to access the network through a variety of digital platforms. It will be available through WWE’s app on Android, Apple, and Amazon’s Kindle Fire devices, as well as Roku streaming devices, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and Xbox 360. Subscribers can also watch the network on desktops and laptops via WWE.com.
Some of the new programming will include live pre- and post-shows for top WWE programs Raw and Smackdown, as well as a one hour ranking show called WWE Countdown. The pay-per-view events that will be available through the streaming service will continue to be available to audiences through cable and satellite providers as they are now.
WWE fans can begin signing up for the service at 9am EST on February 24 at www.WWE.com. There will also be a one-week free trial available for a limited time.
WWE plans to launch its WWE Network abroad in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia by the end of the year.
