WWE and the Big 12 Conference are joining forces once again to bring something new and exciting. During the 2025 college football season, they will co-host four live Friday Night events.
Sports News: WWE has made a major announcement for its fans. WWE and the Big 12 Conference have partnered to host SmackDown Live Events during the 2025 college football season. Under this historic partnership, WWE will organize live events of Friday Night SmackDown in four major college towns.
This initiative is part of WWE's strategy to bring sports entertainment and college athletics together, with the expectation of a significant increase in both viewership and ticket sales.
WWE and Big 12: When and Why?
The relationship between WWE and the Big 12 Conference began in 2023, when WWE created custom title belts and their superstars participated in the Big 12 Championship Games. Following the success of that partnership, this alliance has now reached a new level. Now in 2025, both organizations are planning to bring WWE SmackDown to stadiums and arenas during college football weeks. WWE states that the passion of the people for college football will bring the same energy and excitement to WWE events.
WWE SmackDown 2025 Schedule (WWE x Big 12 Schedule)
August 22, 2025 — Dublin, Ireland (3Arena)
- This event will be held just before the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Iowa State vs. Kansas State.
- This is also part of a strategy to connect with the international fanbase.
October 3, 2025 — Cincinnati, Ohio (Heritage Bank Center)
- This show will take place the night before the football match between the Cyclones and the Bearcats.
- WWE hopes that local students and supporters will gather in large numbers.
October 24, 2025 — Tempe, Arizona (Mullett Arena)
- WWE's live show will be held here before the football match between Arizona State and Houston.
- The warm climate and football craze will further strengthen WWE's presence.
October 31, 2025 — Salt Lake City, Utah (Delta Center)
- There will be a Halloween-themed SmackDown, one day before the Utah vs. Cincinnati game.
- WWE will present this show with special horror themes and costume entries.
What is the strategy?
WWE believes that holding wrestling events in college towns will have two advantages:
- High Footfall: WWE will be able to attract the existing crowd for football matches.
- Cross-Promotion Opportunity: The brands of both WWE and the Big 12 can be expanded and reach a wider, younger audience.
- WWE considers this fusion of Sports Entertainment x College Culture a marketing masterstroke.
Both WWE and the Big 12 hope that these events will prove to be very successful in terms of ticket sales, brand sponsorships, and merchandising. According to WWE, the emotional engagement of the audience during College Football Weeks will also take WWE's events to new heights. In 2023, WWE created custom title belts for the Big 12 and their superstars were included in the championship games.
