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Originally Posted by Chad
What Does Canada’s WWE Network Tell Us About The UK Network?
The Canadian WWE Network roll-out is a sterling indication that the UK release will be tied in with Sky.
In Canada, the Network will be tied in with the Rogers Network. Broadcasting on Rogers Channel 512, the linear channel will have “pay-per-view events, groundbreaking original series, live in-ring action, reality shows and a video-on-demand library.”
That will be pretty much what WWE works out with Sky for the UK, we can presume. There’ll be the on demand content too of course, but in the UK and Canada it is far less an ‘over the top’ experience. In some ways it’s actually better that WWE are working it in with established broadcasters, it makes marketing easier and also opens up advertising opportunities.
There’s a further clue from Canada that WWE Network will be on Sky. “The structure of this new agreement demonstrates WWE’s commitment to growing our brand internationally through integrated partnerships,” stated Gerrit Meier, WWE Executive Vice President, International.
That quote is basically saying that the international roll-outs will be done with partners, rather than being a sole WWE ‘over the top’ roll out like the US.
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I think the Canadian broadcasting situation is a bit different from the UK. If not
approved as a foreign service then a local provider needs to produce a local version of the channel under licence. Hence channels like beIN Sport, HBO, FX and Nickleodeon have tied up with local Canadian companies whilst others like ESPN and Showtime have not and cannot be viewed in Canada.
So, presumably WWE had to tie up with Rogers or similar in Canada but does not have to tie up with anyone to broadcast in the UK.