Facebook Watch (FB) has announced partnerships with both the WWE and National League Lacrosse (NLL), giving the burgeoning video platform additional sports content. Beginning on January 16th (10p EST), a new weekly in-ring wrestling series entitled “Mixed Match Challenge” will debut; wrestlers from both Raw and SmackDown rosters will compete in a single elimination mixed tag-team tournament that spans 12 weeks. Watch will also begin airing a new weekly show from NLL productions entitled ReLax that offers fans insight and analysis on the weekend’s games. The show, airing exclusively on the Watch platform Mondays at 6p EST, will give fans a chance to interact and ask questions during the first hour of the show.
Howie Long-Short: The WWE experienced their “all-time best quarter” in Q3 ‘17, as the company grew revenue 14% to $186.4 million, set a company quarterly record for adjusted OIBDA ($40.4 million) and saw net income rise to $21.8 million (from $11.1 million YOY). The company will release its Q4 ’17 (and full year ’17) earnings report on Feb. 8th. 2018 projects to be a banner year for the WWE, with the company anticipating setting another record for revenue generation and targeting adjusted OIBDA of at least $115 million; which would also set a record.
Fan Marino: Mixed Match Challenge episodes will run 20 minutes in length and be optimized for mobile consumption. The social interaction elements included will be worth watching, as fans will have the opportunity to select match-ups and match stipulations. Teams will be announced beginning tomorrow night. You can find a list of participants, here.
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