*By Conor White* World Wrestling Entertainment and Fox Sports have agreed to a [reported $1 billion deal](https://www.thewrap.com/wwe-smackdown-fox-broadcast-fridays-fall-2019/) that will bring the wrestling show "Smackdown" to broadcast television in 2019. The move gives WWE access to a wider audience, according to Tony Maglio, the TV editor at The Wrap, and it gives Fox Sports live content that draws young male viewers coveted by advertisers. "These combat sports target young males, and young males are always going to be a very desirable demographic," Maglio said in an interview Wednesday with Cheddar. WWE already has its own robust streaming platform, and a deal with NBC for its wrestling show "Raw" on the USA Network. The Fox deal takes it to the next level. "Vince McMahon wants the exposure," said Maglio. "The exposure on broadcast, which he's been on before, it's greater than cable, it's greater than streaming." For Fox, which may lose part of its pipeline for scripted series when Disney or Comcast complete a deal for 21st Century Fox studios, the addition of "Smackdown" gives programming executives a new source of live entertainment, said Maglio. For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/fox-sports-pins-smackdown).

Share:
More In Business
WSJ: Food Workers Union Opposing Kroger-Albertson's Deal
The United Food and Commercial Workers union, one of the country's largest, opposed the planned merger between grocery chains Kroger and Albertson's, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing concerns about lack of information and the potential viability of stores upon closing.
Kenvue CEO Discusses Growth Outlook After J&J Unit Jumps 20% in Market Debut
Johnson & Johnson's consumer-health unit Kenvue made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange and jumped about 20% on Thursday. Thibaut Mongon, CEO of Kenvue, joined Cheddar News to discuss business growth goals and what lies ahead for its well-known pipeline of products, including Band-Aid, Neutrogena, Tylenol, among others.
Earnings Breakdown for Options Traders
Cheddar News' reporter Angela Miles reports from the Cboe floor with Scott Bauer, CEO of the Prosper Trading Academy, to break down Apple, Moderna, and Datadog earnings for options traders.
Load More