ESPN has acquired the exclusive U.S. streaming rights to WWE’s marquee Premium Live Events (PLEs) starting in 2026 in a historic deal that was revealed on August 6, 2025. The $1.6 billion five-year agreement represents a significant change: WWE events such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank will now be streamed on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform, which will cost $29.99 a month, instead of Peacock.

The stakes are higher for WWE and ESPN as a result of this jump, which almost triple the previous $900 million contract with NBCUniversal.

ESPN’s Strategy: Expanding Reach with Premium Live Entertainment

Jimmy Pitaro, the chairman of ESPN, called the collaboration a turning point, saying, “WWE has an immense, devoted fan base… this agreement boosts our unprecedented content portfolio and advances our streaming future.”
Fans will be able to get linear channels like ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, ABC, and the new PLE rights with a single subscription when the ESPN DTC service launches on August 21.

By include WWE’s main events and related pre- and post-show programming in the streaming mix, the agreement solidifies this service’s status as a must-have for lovers of sports entertainment.

Financial Highlights: Bigger Rights, Bigger Ambitions

$1.6 billion over five years—nearly 80% more than the Peacock deal—at an average of $325 million each year.

In a recent tactical choice to move beyond live content and into asset ownership, ESPN also acquired NFL Network and RedZone in return for a 10% stock investment. Its strong stance ahead of the streaming age is highlighted by this.

Some investors responded warily to the announcement, sending Disney shares down by 3–4% despite the company’s parks, streaming, and sports businesses all seeing great success.

How It Impacts WWE, Fans & Streaming Landscape

For WWE

Reinforces WWE’s mainstream status with a high-profile partnership.

enhances its current $5 billion Netflix Raw deal by combining live events domestically and increasing visibility internationally.

For Fans

ESPN DTC will now be used to broadcast WWE Premium Live Events, which were formerly Pay-Per-View.

Compared to Peacock, the service costs more ($30/month vs. $11), which may provide budget issues, particularly for younger fans.

Disney+ and Hulu streaming packages can be offered as a promotional launch incentive.

For ESPN/Disney

adds WWE to its DTC platform, which already includes thousands of live events, UFC, NFL content, college football, soccer, and tennis.

strengthens the strategic shift toward varied live entertainment content and direct streaming management.

Transition Timeline: What Happens When?

Early 2026: ESPN DTC becomes exclusive U.S. home for WWE PLEs.

Survivor Series: WarGames 2025 in November remains on Peacock/NBCU per existing contract.

SmackDown continues to air on Peacock via USA Network rights through 2029.

Final Takeaway: WWE + ESPN Signals Big Streaming Shift

This high-stakes agreement significantly improves ESPN’s debut into live-event streaming while solidifying WWE’s standing in sports entertainment. The disruption may result in more expenses for viewers, but it also promises a more thorough integration of WWE with popular sports programming.

Whether or not customers accept the change will depend on brand development, content bundling, and streaming subscriber growth. One thing is certain: starting in 2026, WWE and ESPN are changing the locations and methods by which viewers watch the biggest events in professional wrestling.