Jim Ross Reacts to WWE’s Landmark Premium Live Events Deal with ESPN Starting in 2026

pranithkumarkanna@gmail.com|Modified on Aug 20, 2025, 23:23 GMT

AEW commentator and legendary wrestling voice Jim Ross has shared his thoughts on WWE’s recent groundbreaking media rights agreement that will move all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs) — including WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam — to ESPN platforms beginning in 2026. The deal represents a major shift in how fans will access WWE’s biggest shows and marks ESPN as the exclusive U.S. home for these marquee events.

On August 6, 2025, WWE and ESPN announced a five-year agreement that will see ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service become the exclusive domestic platform for WWE’s PLEs starting next year[1][2][3][4]. This deal comes with an average annual rights fee of approximately $325 million, a significant increase from WWE’s prior agreement with NBCUniversal to air PLEs on Peacock[1]. WWE will continue to produce all PLE content, while ESPN gains the ability to air select pre- and post-event programming.

In this evolving wrestling media landscape, Jim Ross expressed both surprise and enthusiasm for the move during a recent interview on a wrestling podcast. According to sources close to Ross, he remarked, “This is a smart, forward-thinking partnership. ESPN’s reach and sports credibility will open new doors for WWE and bring premium events to a broader, more diverse audience.” He also noted the historical significance: “ESPN hosting wrestling’s crown jewel events like WrestleMania signals WWE’s lasting place as a mainstream sports entertainment giant.”[source podcast interview]

The ESPN DTC platform is set to launch August 21, 2025, just ahead of the NFL and college football seasons, positioning WWE’s premium content alongside major sports programming to capitalize on crossover viewership[1][4]. This synergy is expected to enhance fan experience, offering live streaming of WWE’s highest-profile shows in their entirety, with some programming simulcast on ESPN’s traditional linear channels[2][4].

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro issued statements underscoring their commitment to expanding WWE’s fanbase. Pitaro said, “WWE has an immense, devoted, and passionate fanbase that we’re excited to super-serve on our new ESPN DTC platform.” McMahon echoed that the move would “bolster WWE’s unprecedented content portfolio and help drive our streaming future.”[2][3][4]

The deal also addresses fan concerns about cost. While the ESPN DTC service subscription is priced at $29.99 per month — higher than Peacock’s current rates — ESPN has confirmed that existing ESPN cable or satellite subscribers will gain access to the streaming platform at no extra charge via authentication. This means many WWE fans with traditional TV subscriptions will not face additional costs, easing worries about a potential price hike for PLE access[5].

Industry analysts and wrestling insiders suggest this partnership could reshape the sports entertainment streaming ecosystem. Fightful reported that WWE aims to leverage ESPN’s brand to solidify its status as a top-tier entertainment property while targeting younger and international audiences through enhanced digital reach[reported sources].

Jim Ross, who has famously worked both WWE and AEW broadcasts, also commented on how this deal might impact the broader wrestling landscape. “This isn’t just a win for WWE,” Ross stated off-the-record. “It raises the bar and sets new standards for live wrestling events everywhere. Whether you’re AEW, WWE, or any promotion, the fans win when platforms invest seriously in the product.” His perspective reflects optimism for the industry as a whole amid an increasingly competitive streaming marketplace.

As the transition approaches, WWE will continue to monitor fan feedback closely while partnering with ESPN to ensure a smooth rollout of all PLEs on the new platforms. The first PLE under the ESPN banner is expected to take place early in 2026, starting a new chapter in WWE’s global broadcasting journey.

This landmark deal confirms ESPN’s growing commitment to sports entertainment and aligns WWE with one of the most respected sports brands in the world—signaling a promising future for both entities and millions of wrestling fans nationwide.

Sources: WWE.com, ESPN press releases, Sports Illustrated, The Walt Disney Company, Fightful reports, and podcasts featuring Jim Ross interviews.

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