As WWE gears up for a groundbreaking U.S. rights partnership with ESPN starting in 2026, President and Chief Revenue Officer Nick Khan is shining a spotlight on WWE’s expanding international footprint, particularly its streaming success on Netflix. The announcement of ESPN becoming the exclusive domestic home for WWE’s Premium Live Events (PLEs), including marquee attractions WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble, has dominated recent wrestling headlines. However, Khan’s recent remarks underscore that WWE’s growth story is far from limited to U.S. airwaves — its global reach is thriving through diverse digital platforms worldwide, primarily Netflix.

ESPN and WWE Announce Historic Media Rights Agreement

On August 6, 2025, WWE and ESPN unveiled a landmark five-year agreement that will see ESPN and its new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service become the exclusive U.S. domestic broadcaster for all WWE PLEs starting in 2026[1][2][4]. This strategic move shifts WWE’s premium content away from Peacock, expanding ESPN’s portfolio to include culturally iconic wrestling events such as the two-night WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, Money in the Bank, and Royal Rumble.

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro emphasized the partnership’s value, stating WWE’s passionate global fanbase fits perfectly within ESPN’s ambitious streaming expansion plans[2]. Wrestling fans subscribing to ESPN through traditional pay-TV providers will also have access to these PLEs via the forthcoming ESPN DTC platform at no extra charge, a point that has helped ease concerns about rising subscription costs[3].

Nick Khan Touts WWE’s Netflix Success Overseas

While WWE’s alignment with ESPN marks a significant milestone in the U.S. market, Khan recently highlighted the company’s international momentum, particularly its success with Netflix. According to sources close to WWE, Khan suggested in recent interviews and podcasts that Netflix’s global distribution has played a pivotal role in widening WWE’s appeal beyond traditional wrestling audiences.

Unlike the U.S., where WWE content remains heavily platform-specific, Netflix offers a broad international audience an accessible entry point to WWE’s vast library of shows, documentaries, and curated collections. Khan told Fightful that the Netflix deal not only bolsters WWE’s visibility in foreign markets but also drives subscription growth as wrestling steadily embeds itself into mainstream pop culture globally.

WWE.com also confirmed that Netflix continues to be a vital partner for WWE’s international digital strategy, complimenting live event broadcasts and local-language content[1]. This synergy is crucial as WWE pursues long-term fan development outside the U.S., targeting regions where linear television deals are limited or fragmented.

Balancing Legacy Media and Streaming Innovation

Industry analysts and insiders interpret Khan’s emphasis on Netflix as a way to reassure WWE shareholders and fans that the company’s revenue diversification extends beyond domestic television rights fees. While ESPN’s deal guarantees strong exposure and financial stability in the U.S., international markets represent untapped revenue streams that Netflix’s platform helps unlock. A WWE insider told Wrestling Inc., “Nick wants investors to know WWE’s global strategy is working — it’s not just about America anymore.”

Moreover, wrestling’s cinematic storytelling through Netflix originals and specials complements the live spectacle of WWE’s premium events, creating a more holistic brand experience worldwide. This dual approach is expected to fuel WWE’s brand relevance and audience retention well into the next decade.

What WWE Fans Can Expect Starting in 2026

From an audience standpoint, the ESPN deal reshapes how American wrestling fans consume WWE’s biggest shows. Subscribers to ESPN’s traditional pay-TV packages will seamlessly gain access to all PLEs, while ESPN’s new $29.99 monthly DTC streaming service offers a standalone option. This flexibility aims to enhance accessibility and attract new viewers amid a crowded streaming landscape[3].

All WWE premium events will continue to be produced by WWE, ensuring the high production values and star-driven narratives longtime fans expect[1][4]. The move also signals WWE’s commitment to partnering with major sports broadcasters to elevate wrestling’s mainstream sports entertainment profile.

Summary

• WWE and ESPN have forged a five-year exclusive U.S. rights deal to stream all WWE Premium Live Events starting in 2026, including WrestleMania and SummerSlam[1][2][4].
• President Nick Khan has highlighted WWE’s significant international growth via its content deals with Netflix, expanding WWE’s global audience beyond U.S. TV partners.
• Netflix serves as a critical platform for WWE’s international distribution, offering a wide array of content that complements live wrestling events[1].
• ESPN’s streaming platform will provide most existing TV subscribers with access to WWE events at no additional cost, mitigating fears over higher prices[3].
• WWE balances legacy sports broadcasting partnerships with innovative streaming strategies to grow its global fan base and future-proof its business.

Sources close to WWE and industry podcasts confirm that this combination of media strategies reflects WWE’s ambition to be a truly global entertainment brand — one that thrives both live in arenas and on digital screens worldwide. As the 2026 ESPN launch approaches, wrestling fans can look forward to historic shows accessible through new platforms while WWE continues to broaden its presence in international markets through partners like Netflix.