WWE, Big 12 Partner to Bring ‘SmackDown’ to Markets Night Before Marquee Conference Games
USA NETWORK, JUL 4 – WWE SmackDown's July 4 episode averaged 1.166 million viewers with a 0.32 rating in the 18-49 demographic, down from 1.45 million viewers the previous week, due to holiday taping.
- The Big 12 Conference and WWE expanded their partnership on July 9, 2025, announcing four SmackDown episodes in Big 12 markets ahead of key football games.
- This growth builds on prior WWE collaborations with the Big 12, including a moment last season when WWE performers awarded a custom championship belt to the standout running back from Arizona State.
- The first SmackDown episode is set for August 22, 2025, at Dublin's 3Arena, a day before the Big 12 football season opens with Iowa State vs. Kansas State at Aviva Stadium.
- The four scheduled SmackDown events will also be held in Cincinnati on October 3, Tempe on October 24, and Salt Lake City on October 31, all preceding major Big 12 games.
- This partnership aims to integrate WWE's entertainment brand with Big 12 football, strengthening the connection between sports and entertainment for their combined audiences.
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WWE & Big 12 Conference to bring Friday Night SmackDown to Big 12
July 9, 2025 – WWE and the Big 12 Conference today announced an expansion to their multi-faceted partnership that will see Friday Night SmackDown broadcast from Big 12 markets on the eve of four conference football games throughout the 2025 season. The first SmackDown will be held on Friday, August 22 at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, a day before the 30th year of Big 12 Football
Big 12, WWE partner to bring 'SmackDown' to select Big 12 markets during football season
The Big 12 and the WWE are expanding on their partnership with an interesting announcement on Wednesday morning. The partnership began in 2023 with the WWE producing a custom-made championship belt to be awarded to the Big 12 Championship Game’s Most Outstanding Player. WWE superstars are also involved in helping to market and promote the event leading up to the game. Now, Big 12 football and the WWE are partnering to bring Friday Night SmackDow…
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