TNA Impact Wrestling will make the move from its long-time home on Spike TV to Destination America, an offshoot of Discovery Communications that reaches roughly half the homes that Spike TV is in currently.
“We are very excited about Destination America being the new network for Impact Wrestling and the partnership with Discovery Communications both domestically and across the globe. Their commitment to promote and grow our brand in innovative and compelling ways was instrumental in knowing we had found the right home,” TNA President Dixie Carter said of today’s news.
TNA has been on Spike TV for nine years, but Spike indicated to the Wrestling company earlier this year that it wanted to end the relationship when the most recent contract linking the two came up. Spike later agreed to extend its broadcast relationship beyond the end of the current deal in October as TNA continued its search for a new TV home.
The final Impact Wrestling broadcast on Spike TV will be Dec. 24.
“Dixie Carter and her team have been incredible partners to work with over the past nine years, delivering high-action entertainment and strong ratings,” Spike TV President Kevin Kay said in a statement. “As Spike continues to evolve into a network reaching a broader audience, we continue to look across our schedule to find opportunities to add original scripted and non-scripted programming that appeals to a wider demographic.
“On behalf of everyone at Spike, we would like to wish Dixie and TNA all the best and continued success,” Kay said.
Destination America is available in 52 percent of U.S. cable and satellite homes, roughly half the homes of Spike TV, which is available in 85 percent of U.S. TV homes.
That comparison is a bit misleading in one respect: Spike TV is a fixture on basic cable and satellite packages, while Destination America is available for many only on higher tiers.
Check your local availability for Destination America: Click here.
“Our partnership in this uniquely entertaining franchise with TNA Impact Wrestling provides a significant addition to Destination America’s programming strategy,” said Henry Schleiff, group president of Destination America, Investigation Discovery, American Heroes Channel, Discovery Fit & Health and Discovery Family Channel.
“The enduring, cross-generational enthusiasm of pro wrestling is felt by millions of fans around the country, from coast-to-coast and throughout the heartland. We are delighted to bring this beloved American pastime to the one and only network dedicated to celebrating the unique spirit of the U.S., Destination America,” Schleiff said.
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Chris Graham
