World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has forged a new partnership with The CW Network, marking a significant shift for its developmental brand, NXT. This collaboration will see all NXT premium live events broadcast exclusively on The CW, commencing this summer with "The Great American Bash." This move aims to provide a unified platform for NXT's dedicated audience and further elevate the brand's emerging talents.
Details of the Landmark Broadcasting Agreement
In a significant announcement made on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, WWE confirmed its new broadcasting agreement with The CW Network. This deal will bring all NXT premium live events to a broader audience, airing them simultaneously across the United States. The partnership is set to kick off with the much-anticipated "The Great American Bash" event later this summer and will encompass approximately 20 premium live events over the coming years.
This expanded collaboration builds upon an existing relationship, as The CW already serves as the broadcast home for NXT's weekly television show on Tuesdays. Brad Schwartz, President of The CW, highlighted the synergy of this expanded deal, stating, "WWE NXT has energized our Tuesday nights by consistently delivering a loyal and passionate fanbase to The CW every week. Adding WWE NXT Premium Live Events to our schedule is a natural fit, providing one broadcast destination for audiences to watch all their favorite Superstars, storylines and championship matches."
NXT, which began its weekly programming in 2012, is currently in the second year of a five-year agreement with The CW for its regular broadcasts, which was signed in October 2024. Shawn Michaels, WWE Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, expressed enthusiasm for the new venture: "The CW has played an integral role in raising the profile of our up-and-coming Superstars, and we are excited to bring NXT Premium Live Events to broadcast television for the first first time ever." This partnership is poised to provide unprecedented exposure for NXT's roster of rising stars, solidifying The CW as the go-to destination for all NXT content.
This strategic alliance between WWE and The CW represents a forward-thinking approach to sports entertainment broadcasting. By consolidating NXT's premium live events and weekly programming on a single, widely accessible network, both organizations are demonstrating a clear commitment to enhancing viewer experience and expanding the reach of professional wrestling. This move could potentially reshape the landscape of how developmental wrestling content is consumed, offering an invaluable platform for emerging talent to connect with a broader fanbase and continue building the next generation of WWE Superstars. It also underscores the growing appeal of professional wrestling to mainstream audiences and the value that traditional broadcast networks see in live sports and entertainment programming.
