Get ready for a seismic shift in how you experience WWE. Starting in 2026, ESPN platforms will become the exclusive U.S. home for all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs), including the crown jewel, WrestleMania. This landmark deal, announced in August 2025, signifies a major evolution for WWE’s broadcast strategy, moving its most anticipated events to ESPN’s burgeoning direct-to-consumer streaming service.
The agreement, spanning five years, is reportedly worth an impressive $1.6 billion, averaging $325 million annually. This move marks a significant increase from WWE’s previous deal with Peacock, which concluded in March 2026. Fans can anticipate that all 10 of WWE’s major annual events, such as the Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank, will be streamed in their entirety on the new ESPN platform. Furthermore, select events may also be simulcast on ESPN’s linear television channels, offering broader accessibility.
WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18-19, 2026, is poised to be the inaugural PLE to be broadcast under this new ESPN banner, kicking off a new era for the industry’s biggest spectacle. Notably, major events like WrestleMania and SummerSlam will continue as two-night extravaganzas, promising even more action-packed entertainment for fans.
This partnership is set to enhance WWE’s reach and engagement, with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro expressing excitement about serving WWE’s “immense, devoted and passionate fanbase” on their new platform. WWE President Nick Khan echoed this sentiment, calling the agreement a “pivotal moment” for the millions of WWE fans in the United States. The deal also includes options for pre- and post-show coverage, further enriching the fan experience.
While this new deal focuses on live event broadcasting, WWE maintains a diverse portfolio of media rights partners. Netflix continues to stream WWE content globally, and the USA Network remains the home for SmackDown, while NXT broadcasts on The CW Network. The transition to ESPN signifies a strategic move for WWE, leveraging ESPN’s broad reach and established sports media presence to propel its flagship events into the future.
