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Fanatics Proposes Licensing WWE Podcast Video Rights to Netflix

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 14:47 GMT by Wrestling News

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WWE Fans Get a New Streaming Home: Fanatics & Netflix Pact for Podcast Video Rights

In a move that signals WWE’s ambition to broaden its digital footprint, Fanatics – the global sports‑merchandising powerhouse – has reportedly approached the World Wrestling Entertainment’s parent company with a proposal to license the rights to WWE’s podcast video content to Netflix. If the deal goes through, it could see the iconic wrestling brand’s most popular podcasts streamed alongside the streaming giant’s ever‑growing catalog of original sports and entertainment content.

Why the partnership matters

The entertainment landscape has shifted dramatically over the last decade, with live‑event brands and sports leagues turning to on‑demand video and podcasts as a way to engage the “next‑generation” fan. WWE, which has long been a pioneer in wrestling media – from its flagship WWE Network streaming service to its flagship podcasts – is looking to capitalize on this trend.

Fanatics, which already sells WWE apparel, collectibles and licensing products in over 50 countries, has carved out a niche for itself in sports media as well. The company owns the distribution rights to the WWE Unfiltered podcast, and it has a history of partnering with streaming platforms to reach new audiences. In the past, Fanatics has worked with broadcasters such as ESPN and the UFC to deliver digital video content to fans.

Netflix, meanwhile, has been aggressively adding live sports and sporting entertainment to its portfolio. While the streaming platform traditionally focuses on scripted dramas, its partnership with the WWE Network in the United States – that has since moved the WWE Network’s content to Peacock – marks a significant pivot toward sports content. The proposed licensing of WWE podcast video rights would allow Netflix to bolster its “Sports” and “Live” categories, potentially attracting WWE’s sizable fan base.

Which podcasts could appear on Netflix?

WWE’s current podcast lineup is quite varied. A few that could be part of the new agreement include:

• WWE Unfiltered – The flagship talk‑show style podcast that features wrestlers, managers and other WWE talent.
• WWE 205 Live Podcast – A behind‑the‑scenes podcast that focuses on the WWE’s cruiserweight division.
• Talk to the Wrestler – A series that dives into the personal and professional lives of WWE superstars.
• The Big Picture with Dave – An interview‑style podcast that discusses current wrestling stories and broader sports themes.

In addition to the above, the company has several “After‑Show” podcasts that air following major pay‑per‑view events like WrestleMania. These shows are often a staple of WWE fan life and could benefit from a wider distribution channel.

How the deal could look

The details of the proposed partnership remain under wraps, but industry observers point to a few key factors that could shape the final agreement:

1. Exclusive vs. Non‑exclusive – It remains unclear whether the license will be exclusive to Netflix or if WWE can partner with other streaming platforms simultaneously. A non‑exclusive deal could keep WWE content available on Peacock and the WWE Network while giving Netflix access to a specific subset of podcasts.
2. Revenue model – A traditional licensing fee, revenue‑sharing agreement, or a hybrid model could be at play. WWE, which has already monetized its digital content through ad‑based and subscription‑based models, may be looking for a deal that maximizes revenue while maintaining audience reach.
3. Geographic reach – While the WWE Network has been merged into Peacock for U.S. viewers, the deal could focus on global markets where Netflix is still dominant, giving the brand a chance to reach fans in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.
4. Content curation – Netflix may want to curate a dedicated “WWE” category on its platform, potentially bundling podcasts with exclusive footage from backstage segments, match highlights and historical archives.

Industry impact

A partnership between Fanatics, WWE and Netflix would position the streaming service as a key player in the sports entertainment space – a space that already sees stiff competition from Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and the newly launched Disney’s Hulu for live sports. For WWE, a broader distribution strategy would complement its ongoing partnership with Peacock (in the U.S.) and its global “WWE Global” initiative that brings new international audiences to the brand.

This deal also highlights the growing role of sports‑centric streaming services. Sports fans have long turned to podcasts to stay connected, and the move to bring these shows to a platform like Netflix reflects the convergence of sports and entertainment media. By leveraging the reach of Netflix, WWE could potentially draw in a new cohort of viewers that traditionally tune in to Netflix’s original dramas but have never listened to a wrestling podcast before.

Looking ahead

If the agreement is confirmed, WWE fans could start expecting a “WWE” hub on Netflix within the next 12–18 months. The move would also create opportunities for fan engagement initiatives such as live Q&A sessions, behind‑the‑scenes vlogs and fan‑generated content that could be shared on the platform.

WWE, for its part, has signaled that its content strategy will continue to evolve as streaming becomes an integral part of its business. The company’s recent shift from its standalone WWE Network to a partnership with Peacock for U.S. fans reflects that strategy, while the potential partnership with Netflix signals a broader, more inclusive approach.

In the coming weeks, the industry will be watching closely to see if WWE and Fanatics can finalize a deal that could reshape how wrestling fans consume podcasts and other WWE content on the world’s largest streaming platform. If successful, it will not only provide a fresh channel for WWE’s content but also cement Netflix’s position as a serious competitor in the sports streaming arena.