Ever thought wrestling and sports broadcasting would merge like superheroes teaming up? That’s exactly what’s happening. Beginning in 2026, WWE’s Premium Live Events (WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, Money in the Bank, and others) are landing exclusively on ESPN’s brand-new streaming platform. And yeah, it’s a big deal for fans and the industry alike.
What This New Deal Means
Here’s the lowdown: it’s a 5‑year, roughly $1.6 billion deal translating to about $325 million annually. That’s a huge jump from WWE’s previous arrangement with Peacock.
Why ESPN? Because its direct‑to‑consumer (DTC) service launches August 21, 2025. On top of live PLEs, it also bundles ESPN’s classic channels. Think of it as a blockbuster sports buffet with WWE’s marquee events as the cherry on top.
WWE’s Pitch & ESPN’s Strategy
WWE’s President, Nick Khan, calls this “a pivotal moment” for U.S. fans teaming up with the biggest sports media brand. ESPN’s chairman, Jimmy Pitaro, echoes the excitement, saying the deal “bolsters our unprecedented content portfolio.” And TKO’s Mark Shapiro points out that WWE’s storytelling and spectacle are exactly the “cultural tentpole experiences” ESPN thrives on.
At a Glance What’s Changing
| What’s Changing | Before (Until 2025) | After (Starting 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Home | Peacock (NBCUniversal) | ESPN DTC (plus select cable simulcasts) |
| Events Included | PLEs like WrestleMania on Peacock | Same PLEs on ESPN exclusively |
| Deal Value | ~$900 million total (Peacock) | ~$1.6 billion total (ESPN) |
| Added Features | Standard live streaming | On‑demand, pre/post shows, multiview, fantasy tools |
Why Fans Should Care
This isn’t just a relocation it’s an upgrade. If you’re already an ESPN subscriber or have cable, you may get bundled access. And if not? For $29.99/month, you’re stepping into a full-on sports ecosystem. Multiview options, fantasy sports, stats, stories ESPN is cornering more than just wrestling.
Bottom Line
WWE events are getting a new stage and it’s ESPN’s. Starting in 2026, the biggest bang-in-wrestling will stream on a platform built for sports lovers, with more bells and whistles than before. It’s a win for WWE, a power move for ESPN and yes, a sweet setup for fans.
Conclusion
This isn’t your usual channel switch. WWE’s biggest shows are not just moving they’re being catapulted into ESPN’s growing streaming universe. With richer features, bigger budgets, and a platform primed for sports fans, this deal sets a new bar for how live events are delivered.