Vince McMahon: WWE Television Network To Launch By 2011

During this morning’s investor conference call, WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon says he is planning to launch WWE’s upcoming television network by next summer. He said WWE is already working on the project:

“Right now, we’re continuing along the lines of a formula in which we will soon be presenting and taking the next steps. We think there is tremendous opportunity,” he said. “If things happen as we hope, it will be a really big game-changer. There is huge opportunity as it relates to domestically and internationally. We are pursuing that and taking the next steps.”

McMahon does not think WWE’s current television partners will mind WWE promoting their own network during current WWE programming and compared their strategy to how the NFL promotes their own NFL network during NFL games on CBS, ESPN, etc. He also said WWE plans to keep RAW on the USA Network for many years to come, while SmackDown’s future is less certain.

“The strategy will be maintaining the broadcasts, therefore, keeping Raw on USA Net for many years to come and find a really strong home, whether it be MyNet or someone else, for Smackdown,” he said. “We don’t see any interruption for Raw or Smackdown. The new network could tie-in to Raw and Smackdown and enhance the two brands.”

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