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After switch from Sky Sports to BT, WWE highlights likely to air on free UK TV

After it was announced recently that the lucrative rights of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) had moved from Sky Sports to BT Sports after 30 years, its now emerged that the company is trying to lock a highlights deal with a free-to-air UK broadcaster.

Vince McMahon, Chairman & CEO of WWE is said to be in talks with UK broadcasters for a weekly free-to-air highlights show for the first time. McMahon is reportedly keen to attract new eyeballs to the sport after it being shown exclusively behind encryption on Sky Sports since the 80s.

Reports suggest that WWE is in discussions with various broadcasters including ITV4 and Channel 4. Previously, Channel 4 aired ‘Sunday Night Heat’ for a short stint.

The deal is expected to commence from January 2020. At the time of the announcement, Senior Vice President of WWE, Stefan Kastenmuller, said, “We are pleased to begin an exciting new chapter for WWE in the region as we join BT Sport’s innovative offering and impressive portfoloio of premium sports content.”

Andy Haworth, Managing Director Content and Strategy at BT Sport, added, “We are incredibly excited by our new partnership with WWE. It is the most successful sports entertainment brand in the world, with a rich, fun and colourful history, loved by fans across the UK and Ireland. This is a brilliant addition for our customers and we can’t wait to get going in January.”