Dublin company Setanta Media has secured the rights to broadcast World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events on a pay-per-view basis in Britain and Ireland. The rights were previously held by Sky.
WWE, formerly known as the World Wrestling Federation, is listed on Wall Street and recorded turnover from continuing operations of $374.3 million (€302 million) in 2003 with EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) of $37.6 million for the year.
Headed by ex-wrestler Mr Vincent McMahon, it is one of the world's largest sporting bodies.
Setanta refused to comment on the value of the deal, but it is believed to be worth several million euros. Television rights fees for WWE outside of North America were worth €16 million in 2003. Setanta has signed a one-year deal and hopes this can be extended. Regular bouts will continue to be screened on Sky One and some Sky Sports channels.
One of the highlights of the wrestling calendar, the "Royal Rumble", will be first to air on Setanta's pay-per-view channels on the Sky digital platform and NTL on Sunday January 25th.
Late last year Setanta won a three-year contract, along with RTÉ, to show live English premiership soccer in Ireland during the 2004-05 season. It already shows Scottish Premier League soccer to Irish viewers.
The company's directors and shareholders are Mr Leonard Ryan and Mr Michael O'Rourke.
