TNA and Spike TV issued a press release Monday night, confirming that their television partnership has been extended through 2012.
Set to go into on effect October 1, 2009, the new deal continues the relationship for three years.
TNA will continue to produce the weekly series “iMPACT!” for the network. Further, the deal calls for TNA to produce ten one-hour specials to be broadcast over the course of the partnership. While the addition of more original programming is a positive step for the number two wrestling promotion, the collection of ten specials–which averages out to 3-4 per year of the deal–is not the same as the new weekly series TNA was reportedly hoping to receive.
“TNA Wrestling has consistently delivered strong ratings in key male demographics and has continually grown its weekly audience. In the past year alone, “iMPACT!” has seen a remarkable increase of 30% in overall growth,” said Spike TV’s Kevin Kay. “We are excited to not only continue but also expand our relationship with the world’s fastest growing wrestling organization.”