Peacock, the exclusive U.S. streaming home of WWE Network content including monthly Premium Live Events (PLEs), has announced a substantial price increase for its subscription services, directly impacting WWE fans who rely on the platform to access wrestling entertainment. This change comes amid growing speculation and confirmed reports that WWE’s premium events will transition from Peacock to ESPN’s new streaming platform in 2026, signaling a major shift in how fans consume WWE content.
Effective July 23, 2025, Peacock’s subscriptions have increased by around $3 per month across their tiers, marking the most significant price rise in recent years. The Premium monthly plan has risen from $7.99 to $10.99, while the ad-free Premium Plus monthly plan now costs $16.99, up from $13.99. Annual subscribers have also been hit with increases – Premium plans rose from $79.99 to $109.99 per year, and Premium Plus plans jumped from $139.99 to $169.99 annually[1].
This price hike affects WWE fans primarily through increased costs to stream live WWE Premium Live Events such as SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Royal Rumble, which are available exclusively on Peacock in the U.S. For a dedicated viewer who opts for monthly billing, the increase translates to roughly $36 more annually. For those who prefer the ad-free experience, the yearly cost now approaches $170.
The official Peacock website explains that these increases are “to continue to create the best experience for its viewers, remain competitive in the marketplace, and deliver unique content across all genres.” However, some subscribers and critics question the value proposition with rising costs for a platform that has also introduced more frequent ad breaks on ad-supported subscriptions[2].
According to sources close to WWE, the price changes on Peacock come at a critical juncture for the wrestling giant’s U.S. streaming strategy. WWE announced earlier this year that starting in 2026, all Premium Live Events will move exclusively to ESPN’s new streaming service, set to launch on August 21, 2025, with a $29.99 monthly price tag. This marks a major departure from Peacock, which has held exclusive U.S. rights to WWE Network streaming since early 2021 after the merger of the original WWE Network with Peacock’s platform[3].
Fightful sources confirm that this impending streaming migration is a strategic decision by WWE to align more closely with ESPN’s broader sports audience and higher-profile streaming infrastructure. However, ESPN’s higher subscription pricing is expected to challenge WWE’s traditional fanbase in terms of affordability, especially when compared to Peacock’s previous pricing tiers.
WWE’s Eddie Edwards spoke on this shift during a recent podcast interview, stating, “It’s unfortunate for the fans who have supported us on Peacock, but WWE is trying to move forward with a platform that can bring WWE events to a bigger, more diversified audience. It’s about growth, even if it means paying a bit more.” According to backstage sources at WWE, executives are also aware that fans may initially resist the price increase but believe the ESPN partnership will ultimately deliver enhanced content quality and streaming stability.
For fans considering whether to continue subscribing to Peacock, the question now revolves around short-term value. Peacock still offers a broad library beyond WWE, including NBCUniversal originals, sports coverage like Premier League soccer and NASCAR, and popular reality series, making it a compelling entertainment bundle despite the price rise[2].
However, for hardcore WWE followers, the price increase adds to the financial commitment required to maintain live event access until the ESPN migration takes full effect. Notably, current Peacock subscribers retain their existing rates until the end of their current billing cycle, after which the increased prices will automatically apply.
In summary, WWE fans in the United States are facing steeper subscription fees on Peacock following the July 2025 price hike, impacting access to WWE Network content and Premium Live Events. The streaming landscape is poised for further transformation with WWE’s confirmed move to ESPN’s new platform next year, where fans will encounter even higher subscription costs. WWE insiders emphasize this strategy is designed to fuel long-term growth despite short-term disruptions, as the wrestling giant navigates evolving digital media partnerships.
Key Details at a Glance:
| Peacock Plan | Old Price | New Price (as of July 23, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Monthly | $7.99 | $10.99 |
| Premium Plus Monthly | $13.99 | $16.99 |
| Premium Annual | $79.99/year | $109.99/year |
| Premium Plus Annual | $139.99/year | $169.99/year |
| ESPN Streaming (U.S.) | Launch Date | Price |
|---|---|---|
| New ESPN streaming platform | August 21, 2025 | $29.99/month |
This significant price jump coincides with WWE’s strategic platform migration, changing the way American wrestling fans will enjoy premium content going forward[1][3].
According to a WWE insider familiar with the discussions, “The Peacock price increase is part of a wider market readjustment from NBCUniversal but also timed with WWE’s move to ESPN to prepare fans for the new premium streaming experience.” Meanwhile, Fightful reports that WWE is actively communicating with fans to ease the transition and highlight the benefits of the ESPN deal, including improved access to live sports integration and enhanced production values[3].
Wrestling fans looking to save might consider switching to annual plans before renewal or exploring if other streaming bundles including Peacock might offer better value during this transitional period.
As WWE’s streaming landscape shifts in the U.S., staying informed about subscription changes and platform updates will be essential for fans wanting to keep up with every iconic moment in and out of the ring.