Report: NJPW In Talks With Multiple US TV Networks
Negotiations continue
Feb 27, 2021
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Dave Meltzer, New Japan Pro-Wrestling is in talks with multiple US TV networks over a possible TV deal.
AXS TV is reportedly one of these networks. The talks between the two sides were recently described as significant and there is a "decent" chance both sides will come to an agreement.
Which other TV stations NJPW is negotiating with is currently unknown, but the promotion held talks with ESPN, Vice and CBS Sports Network last year before deciding to go with The Roku Channel.
New Japan announced the non-exclusive deal with Roku in early February and a weekly series based around past matches has been airing on The Roku Channel since February 11. Episodes that are currently available feature matches from Wrestle Kingdom 14, New Year Dash 2020 and The New Beginning In Sapporo.
NJPW previously had a US TV deal with AXS TV from 2014 to December 2019. The original deal was supposed to last until January 2021 but both sides agreed to terminate the relationship early.
