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TNA Eyes Sirius XM's Sports X as New TV Deal Front-Runner

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TNA’s New TV Deal: The Frontrunner Revealed

In the wake of a shaky relationship with AXS TV and a growing need to secure a stable, high‑profile platform for its flagship program Impact!, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) has been quietly courting television networks that can provide both exposure and a healthy financial back‑stop. According to a recent report by EW Wrestling News, the company’s latest search has turned up a clear frontrunner: the streaming‑heavy sports network Sirius XM’s “Sports X” (formerly “Sirius XM Sports”). In what insiders are calling a “pivotal moment” for the brand, the network is reportedly willing to provide a multi‑year, multi‑platform deal that would place Impact! on cable, over‑the‑top (OTT) streams and potentially even on satellite, all while offering a significant licensing fee that TNA has long coveted.


Why a New Deal Matters

TNA’s history is one of ambition tempered by reality. Founded in 2002 as a more “hard‑core” alternative to WWE, the promotion’s early years were dominated by the innovative “X‑Division” and a charismatic roster that included the likes of AJ Styles, Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe. By 2005, the company had landed a TV contract with the Cable Network Xtreme Wrestling Network (XWN), but the deal was not without its faults: low ratings, limited geographic reach and a perceived lack of creative control. In 2007, TNA moved its flagship to AXS TV—then a fledgling sports network—hoping to tap into a niche audience of wrestling enthusiasts. While AXS provided a platform, the partnership fell short of TNA’s revenue goals.

In short, the company has been looking for a network that can do more than simply air the show. It needs a partner that will co‑create content, invest in production values, and, most importantly, generate a steady stream of advertising and subscription revenue. The stakes are high: with a growing roster of top‑tier talent and an expanding international fanbase, a robust TV deal could be the catalyst that turns TNA from a “mid‑tier” promotion into a mainstay of televised sports entertainment.


The Rumored Front‑Runner

The EW Wrestling News piece cites an unnamed TNA executive who said, “We’re in serious discussions with a few networks, but the leading candidate is the streaming arm of Sirius XM.” The executive emphasized that Sirius XM has already proven its capacity to handle large‑scale, live events—most notably, the company’s partnership with the National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) for live coverage and on‑demand archives. “It’s the perfect fit for a brand that wants to be everywhere and everywhere at once,” the executive added.

While the report does not disclose the precise terms of the negotiations, it hints at a multi‑year arrangement that would include:

  • A minimum base fee that would cover production costs and provide a revenue cushion for TNA.
  • A revenue‑sharing model on subscription and ad‑based platforms that would align incentives between TNA and the network.
  • Distribution of Impact! to a broader cable lineup—potentially on Fox Sports 1 or USA Network—while still retaining its streaming presence on Sirius XM.

The news has sparked a flurry of speculation across wrestling forums, with many fans and industry analysts predicting that a Sirius XM partnership would bring increased production polish and a larger international footprint. A few insiders even suggest that the partnership could be the first step toward a potential partnership with the streaming platform FWD, which has been expanding its sports portfolio in recent years.


Other Potential Partners

While Sirius XM emerges as the front‑runner, the article also references other networks that have shown interest in TNA, albeit at a less advanced stage:

  • USA Network – Historically a home for Impact! during the early 2000s, the network has hinted at a renewed partnership that could bring TNA into the mainstream cable lineup.
  • Fox Sports 1 (FS1) – With a strong track record of airing niche sports and wrestling content, FS1 is rumored to be exploring a multi‑platform deal that would include live broadcasts and a dedicated streaming app.
  • The CW – Some analysts speculate that a deal with The CW could provide a younger demographic, but the network has yet to confirm any formal talks.

The article points out that each of these networks would bring distinct strengths to the table—be it a broader audience reach, robust ad sales infrastructure, or advanced content‑delivery capabilities. However, it also notes that none of these potential partners have yet reached the depth of commitment or flexibility that Sirius XM appears to offer.


The Bigger Picture: Wrestling’s TV Landscape

The rumor mill around TNA’s new TV deal reflects a larger shift in the wrestling industry’s approach to broadcast and distribution. As streaming continues to dominate the market, traditional cable networks are increasingly being pressured to secure exclusive, high‑value content. Meanwhile, promotions like AEW and Impact are vying for the same audience, prompting them to pursue multi‑channel deals that spread risk and maximize revenue. In this environment, a robust partnership with a network like Sirius XM—capable of delivering content across satellite, cable, and OTT—could be a game‑changer for TNA.

The article also links to a series of other TNA‑focused pieces, including a deep dive into Impact!’s production budgets and a behind‑the‑scenes look at the promotion’s talent acquisition strategy. These supplementary reads paint a picture of a company that is not only hungry for better financial footing but also dedicated to elevating its brand and talent.


Conclusion

Whether Sirius XM’s “Sports X” will ultimately secure a multi‑year deal with TNA remains to be seen, but the current trajectory suggests that a partnership could be on the horizon. If the report’s claim holds true, the move would give TNA a much‑needed lifeline—providing financial stability, wider distribution, and an opportunity to capitalize on the streaming boom that has transformed sports entertainment.

As the wrestling world watches closely, the outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for how independent promotions negotiate with large‑scale networks in a rapidly evolving media ecosystem. For now, the wrestling community remains on edge, hoping that TNA’s next TV deal will elevate the brand to new heights and secure a permanent spot in the hearts of fans worldwide.


Read the Full Wrestling News Article at:
[ https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/tna/report-the-frontrunner-for-tnas-new-tv-deal-revealed ]