WWE-ESPN Partnership: Official Press Release
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In a landmark agreement, Disney’s ESPN platforms will become the exclusive U.S. domestic home for all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs), including the globally recognized WrestleMania, begining in 2026. This strategic partnership unites the leader in sports entertainment with the biggest brand in sports media, substantially bolstering ESPN’s content portfolio, especially its new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service.
Starting in 2026, fans across the United States will be able to stream all WWE PLEs annually, in their entirety, via the ESPN DTC platform. Select marquee events will also be simulcast on ESPN’s linear television channels, offering adaptability for viewers.
The deal encompasses WWE’s most notable events, including the two-night extravaganzas WrestleMania and SummerSlam, as well as Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank. Importantly, WWE will retain full production control of all PLEs, ensuring the continuation of the high-quality events fans expect.
What This Means for ESPN’s DTC Service
This agreement is a major win for ESPN as it prepares to launch its comprehensive DTC streaming service. The addition of WWE PLEs is expected to be a significant driver of subscriptions, attracting a large and passionate fanbase.
“WWE has an immense, devoted and passionate fanbase that we’re excited to super-serve on our new ESPN DTC platform,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN. “This agreement…bolsters our unprecedented content portfolio and helps drive our streaming future.”
The ESPN DTC service will offer a complete sports experience,integrating game stats,betting data,fantasy sports,commerce,and multiview options within an enhanced ESPN App. Fans will have access to these features whether they subscribe directly to the service or through a traditional pay TV package.
TKO and WWE Leadership Respond
Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO Group Holdings, emphasized the synergy between the two brands. “We are proud to reinforce the ‘E’ in ESPN…WWE Premium Live Events are renowned for exactly the type of rich storytelling, astonishing feats of athleticism and can’t-miss, cultural tentpole experiences that have become synonymous with ESPN.”
Nick Khan, President of WWE, hailed the agreement as a “pivotal moment” for WWE fans. “Bringing WWE’s flagship events to ESPN’s platform is tremendously exciting. We know the sky is the limit.”
Beyond PLEs: Expanded ESPN and WWE Collaboration
The partnership extends beyond the PLEs themselves.ESPN platforms will also have the opportunity to stream WWE’s pre- and post-event shows, providing fans with comprehensive coverage of each event.
Currently, Peacock is the exclusive home of WWE PLEs in the United States, and Netflix carries other WWE programming internationally (with some exceptions). This new deal with ESPN marks a significant shift in WWE’s domestic distribution strategy, beginning in 2026.