In a groundbreaking announcement on August 6, 2025, WWE revealed a multi-year partnership with ESPN valued at $1.6 billion that will bring all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs) exclusively to ESPN platforms starting in 2026, marking the end of their streaming relationship with Peacock[1][2][4]. This expansive five-year deal—which includes iconic events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank—is set to transform how fans access WWE’s biggest shows across the United States[1][3].

The agreement details that ESPN will pay WWE approximately $325 million annually to secure exclusive U.S. streaming rights for ten premium events each year[2][3]. These PLEs will be available on ESPN’s soon-to-launch direct-to-consumer streaming service, priced at $29.99 per month, a price point that is notably higher than WWE’s current $10.99 monthly offering on Peacock, which has sparked debate among fans regarding affordability and access[1][2]. Additionally, select events will be simulcast on ESPN’s traditional linear television channels, broadening WWE’s exposure on mainstream sports networks[3][4].

According to ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, this partnership is a milestone for expanding WWE’s audience. He stated, “If you want to expand the audience, our fan base, the fervor around WWE, and grow on a real significant national scale, you can’t do that as it relates to the sports world without partnering with ESPN”[2]. Pitaro also highlighted that WWE’s diverse, younger, and increasingly female fan base aligns well with ESPN’s evolving sports entertainment portfolio[2][4]. TKO Group Holdings President Mark Shapiro echoed the sentiment, calling this a “destiny” moment that fuels the company’s plan to scale WWE’s reach in the competitive streaming landscape[2].

This shift to ESPN complements WWE’s broader media strategy, which includes Raw’s availability on Netflix, SmackDown on USA Network, and NXT airing on The CW[1]. The deal reinforces ESPN’s commitment to sports and entertainment convergence by adding WWE’s fervent and passionate fan base to its growing roster of premium sports content, including NFL and UFC programming[1][3][4].

Behind the scenes, sources close to WWE hint that negotiations with ESPN had gained significant momentum following WWE talent’s increasing appearances on ESPN’s linear and digital platforms over recent years. This gradual integration laid the groundwork for a full-scale partnership aimed at unifying WWE’s most significant event portfolio under ESPN’s powerful sports broadcasting umbrella[3]. Fightful insiders suggest that this deal could potentially open new avenues for WWE’s pre- and post-event programming to be bundled alongside ESPN’s other sports coverage, creating a multimedia fan experience that blurs the lines between traditional sports and sports entertainment[2].

However, the transition does come with concerns, particularly among fans wary of the new $29.99 monthly subscription price for ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service, which is nearly triple the current cost on Peacock. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer noted on his podcast that while the financial influx is a boon for WWE, the pricing might alienate a portion of the existing streaming audience accustomed to more affordable access[1]. WWE and ESPN executives have yet to address whether there will be bundled offers or special incentives for current WWE Network subscribers during this transition.

The new ESPN service, launching on August 21, 2025, promises a comprehensive WWE viewing experience that includes live event streaming, with heightened production values and integrated coverage alongside other major sports entertainment programming[3][4]. As WWE prepares to debut this content migration in early 2026, industry insiders anticipate a vigorous marketing push to ensure fans are ready to follow WWE’s flagship events to their new home on ESPN.

WWE’s announcement was formally released on WWE.com and ESPN’s press room earlier today and has been widely reported by wrestling news outlets including Wrestling Inc. and Sescoops, confirming the authenticity and significance of the deal[1][4]. This transition underscores WWE’s ongoing commitment to expanding its digital footprint while aligning itself with one of the world’s leading sports networks.

In summary, WWE’s strategic partnership with ESPN secures an innovative future for premium live wrestling events under a lucrative $1.6 billion contract. Starting 2026, ESPN will become the exclusive U.S. broadcaster and streaming home of WWE’s marquee PLEs, offering a new platform for fans and reinforcing WWE’s position within mainstream sports entertainment.

Sources:

• WWE.com official press release
• ESPN Press Room[4]
• Sescoops: WWE-ESPN $1.6 Billion Streaming Deal Overview[1]
• Fightful: WWE Deal Details with ESPN[2]
• Awful Announcing: ESPN to Air WWE PLEs Beginning 2026[3]