Nexstar-Verizon carriage negotiations could cut off key CW markets before deadline
Summary
– Verizon Fios customers could lose access to The CW before October 24
– Nexstar dispute threatens millions of WWE NXT viewers in major cities
– Negotiations continue as both sides cite rising content costs
Millions of WWE NXT fans may soon be unable to watch the show live if a new deal between Verizon and Nexstar Media Group isn’t reached in time. Verizon has confirmed that its current carriage agreement with Nexstar will expire on October 24, 2025, potentially removing The CW from Fios TV in several major U.S. markets.
The CW has been the home of WWE NXT since October 2024, marking a new era for the developmental brand. If the standoff continues, Fios subscribers in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. could lose access to the Tuesday night broadcast entirely.
Verizon sent notices to customers warning of the potential blackout, explaining that Nexstar is demanding steep price increases in exchange for renewal. The company sought a “fair and reasonable agreement” but warned that Nexstar’s demands would increase subscription costs.
If no resolution is reached, multiple CW affiliates could go dark on Fios systems, including major stations like WPIX in New York, WPHL in Philadelphia, and WDCW in Washington, D.C. These stations collectively reach millions of homes, representing some of WWE’s largest TV markets.
The list of affected channels spans multiple regions, including CW, ABC, CBS, and NBC affiliates owned by Nexstar, covering markets such as Albany, Buffalo, Harrisburg, Providence, Richmond, and Syracuse. The dispute could also disrupt access to secondary networks like Antenna TV, Rewind TV, and COZI TV.
Neither WWE nor Nexstar has released an official statement addressing the potential impact on NXT broadcasts. Verizon continues to assure customers it hopes to avoid service interruptions, but has cautioned that the deadline is firm.
For now, WWE NXT remains scheduled to air at its usual time slot of 8:00 PM EST on Tuesday nights. However, Fios subscribers in the affected areas are advised to stay updated as negotiations continue, with just days left before the cutoff.
