WWE to Expand International Premium Live Events in 2025
WWE Eyes Global Expansion with Netflix Partnership, More International Premium Live Events in 2025
WWE is doubling down on its international presence, with plans to host even more premium live events outside the United States in 2025. This expansion comes on the heels of a new partnership with Netflix, which promises to further broaden the wrestling giant’s global reach.
In a recent interview on the Sports Business Journal Sports Media podcast, WWE executive VP of talent relations and head of communications Chris Legentil highlighted the company’s commitment to international growth.
“This year alone, we did more than half our (premium live events) outside the U.S.,” Legentil said. “Look for more of that when we’re in partnership with Netflix because we’re going to be working with them hand-in-hand to select locations across the world where we can grow our audience and hopefully gain some subscribers for them.”
WWE’s international ambitions are already evident. In 2023, eight out of twelve premium live events were held outside the U.S., including two shows each in Saudi Arabia and Canada, and single events in Australia, France, Scotland, and Germany.
While WWE has only announced four premium live events for 2025,one is already slated to take place outside the U.S. – Elimination Chamber in Canada in March.
The Netflix partnership is expected to play a key role in WWE’s global expansion strategy. The streaming giant’s vast international subscriber base provides a ready-made audience for WWE’s content, and the collaboration will likely involve co-promotion and marketing efforts to drive viewership and subscriptions.
As WWE continues to expand its global footprint, fans around the world can expect to see more of their favorite superstars in action, live and in person.
WWE Going Global: An Interview wiht Chris Legentil
NewsDirectory3.com: WWE’s recent declaration of a partnership with Netflix, coupled with plans for more international Premium Live Events in 2025, suggests a major global push. Can you elaborate on WWE’s international expansion strategy?
Chris Legentil,WWE Executive VP of Talent Relations and Head of communications: This year,we did more than half of our Premium Live Events outside the U.S. Look for more of that when we’re in partnership with Netflix because we’re going to be working hand-in-hand to select locations across the world where we can grow our audience and hopefully gain some subscribers for them.
NewsDirectory3.com: WWE has already hosted several international events this year, including shows in Saudi Arabia, Canada, Australia, France, Scotland, and Germany. What specific markets are you targeting for growth in 2025 and beyond?
Chris Legentil: While we haven’t announced specific markets for future events,the success we’ve seen in places like Saudi Arabia and Canada shows the potential for growth in regions with passionate wrestling fanbases. Our partnership with Netflix will allow us to tap into their vast international subscriber base and identify new markets ripe for expansion.
NewsDirectory3.com: how will the Netflix partnership specifically contribute to WWE’s global expansion efforts?
Chris Legentil: the collaboration with Netflix is a game-changer. Their global reach and massive subscriber base provide a tremendous platform for us to introduce WWE to new audiences worldwide. We’ll be working together on co-promotion and marketing initiatives to drive viewership for our content and subscriptions to their platform.
NewsDirectory3.com: Can fans expect to see more international talent featured in WWE programming as part of this global expansion?
Chris legentil: Absolutely. As we expand our presence in new markets, we’re committed to showcasing local talent and telling stories that resonate with fans from different cultures. You’ll definitely see more international superstars taking center stage in the coming years.