WWE's high-value live shows making their way to ESPN's consumer-direct streaming service
ESPN Secures WWE Premium Live Events in Landmark Rights Agreement
In a significant move for the sports and entertainment industry, ESPN has secured the rights to broadcast WWE's Premium Live Events (PLEs) starting from 2026. This landmark agreement makes ESPN platforms, including their new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service, the exclusive U.S. domestic home for all WWE PLEs [1][3][5].
The partnership, which was confirmed on Tuesday, will see ESPN’s DTC platform stream every WWE PLE annually in full, with select events simulcast on ESPN’s linear TV channels. Key events covered include the two-night WrestleMania and SummerSlam, as well as Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, Money in the Bank, and more [1][3][5]. WWE will continue to produce all these events.
According to reports, ESPN will pay WWE around $325 million per year for these rights, moving WWE’s PLE streaming from Peacock to ESPN’s sports-centric ecosystem. The deal may expand to include rights to WWE’s content library in the future, as ESPN has expressed interest in acquiring archival content beyond live event streaming [2].
The partnership is expected to bolster ESPN’s content portfolio and drive its streaming future. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro expressed excitement about the opportunity to "super-serve" WWE’s fanbase on ESPN’s DTC platform. WWE chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque also expressed his excitement about the partnership.
The cost of ESPN’s DTC service will be $29.99 per month, but those with existing ESPN through cable will not have to pay. The service is set to launch on Aug. 21, 2022.
The agreement positions ESPN as a leading sports entertainment company and central hub for WWE fans. Notable events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, Survivor Series, Money in the Bank, and others will move from Peacock to ESPN’s DTC platform in the new year.
[1] ESPN and WWE Partner for Premium Live Events to Stream on ESPN’s Direct-to-Consumer Platform [2] ESPN, WWE Partner for Live Events, Archival Content [3] ESPN and WWE Announce Partnership for WWE’s Premium Live Events to be Broadcast on ESPN’s Direct-to-Consumer Platform Starting in 2026 [4] ESPN to Acquire NFL Network and Other Media Assets in Exchange for a 10% Equity Stake [5] ESPN and NFL Reach Major Media Deal
This landmark agreement between WWE and ESPN grants ESPN exclusive U.S. domestic rights to stream all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs), including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and more, on their new direct-to-consumer platform. ESPN's acquisition of WWE's PLE streaming rights will bolster their content portfolio and offer sports-betting enthusiasts an expanded portfolio of sports entertainment events.
