Netflix India plans to take on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema's IPL 'shine' with ...

WWE's media rights in India are reportedly moving from Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) to Netflix India under a historic 10-year deal. According to a report by Economic Times, "Sports entertainment giant WWE is set to shift its media rights in India from SPNI to Netflix India as part of a global 10-year, $5 billion agreement signed earlier this year by its parent company, TKO Group Holdings, with the streaming platform."

The partnership marks Netflix India’s entry into sports entertainment. While Netflix has invested in live sports globally (including with the NFL), its Indian operations have previously avoided sports, even cricket, India's most popular sport. A Netflix India spokesperson confirmed to Economic Times the 2025 launch of WWE content on the platform; SPNI declined to comment.
This transition, set for after March 2025 following the expiration of WWE's current SPNI contract (a five-year deal worth an estimated $180-210 million signed in 2020), marks Netflix India's entry into sports entertainment. Despite SPNI's reported desire to retain TV rights due to WWE's digital performance during the current cycle, Netflix insists on exclusivity in the Indian market.
Netflix faces stiff competition from established Indian sports streaming giants like Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema, which boast popular properties like the Indian Premier League and ICC tournaments.

WWE has been a fixture on Indian television via Ten Sports (later Sony Ten after SPNI's 2016 acquisition of Ten Sports from Zee Entertainment for $385 million) for over two decades. Starting January 2025, Netflix will exclusively stream WWE's flagship shows (Raw, SmackDown, and NXT) in major markets like the US, Canada, UK, and South America, expanding to India by April 2025.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has highlighted the platform's focus on unique, global, and youth-oriented sports, aligning with sports leagues' own goals of reaching younger, global audiences.
However, migrating WWE's loyal fanbase from traditional television (with 900 million viewers in India) to a subscription streaming service (with 547 million users) presents a significant challenge, especially given Netflix India's current 12 million subscriber base. This partnership is expected to significantly boost subscriptions by attracting WWE fans.
The loss of WWE is a major blow for SPNI, a key component of its sports programming. Analysts suggest SPNI will need to find alternative sports entertainment content to retain viewers, despite recently securing Asian Cricket Council rights for $170 million.