What Netflix Deal Could Mean For New WWE NXT Brands

TKO President Mark Shapiro has given some insight into the future of NXT following WWE’s deal with Netflix.

Back in September 2022, WWE closed down its only localized brand, NXT UK. At the time, it was announced that brand was closing down in favor of launching NXT Europe in 2023. However, with the sale of the company to Endeavor, those plans were put on hold. The last update on the situation came in August, when it was reported that the European brand was still being planned and there was a target to launch it in 2024.

The UK wing of the devlopmental brand was initially meant to be the first of many brands as part of a “global localisation” strategy. While those plans are yet to come to fruition, the company’s President, Nick Khan, says the strategy is still in place.

Speaking on the latest TKO earnings call, Khan pointed to the increasing number of international events they have been holding over the past few years, most recently heading to Australia for Elimination Chamber. He also believes that WWE’s huge TV rights deal with Netflix can only help expand things further.

“For us, a global localized product has always been a priority. We think Netflix helps us with that. If you look at the premium live event schedule for this calendar year; Perth, Australia this past weekend. Berlin, France, Riyadh, Canada, all over the world. Look for, down the road, more local stars from those markets as we expand our tryouts to international markets so we feel confident over time that will be covered and be part of the Netflix deal.”

Mark Shapiro Comments On Future WWE NXT Brands Heading To Netflix

TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro added to Khan’s comments, noting that the new rights deal won’t stop them from creating new content, and that new NXT brands could be part of that with the streaming giant getting first refusal on broadcast rights.

“Our Netflix deal doesn’t preclude us from creating new content and events and programming on a global basis. We just have some first look rights that they would have a window to essentially evaluate. NXT, across the board, we have an opportunity to create all new material, sell it for an incremental rights fee, but they are going to be first in line to pay that rights fee.”

H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.