ESPN is getting into the wrestling business.
The cable network announced Aug. 6 that its platforms, including a new direct-to-consumer streaming service, will serve as the domestic home for all of WWE’s premium live events, or PLEs, beginning in 2026.
The programming includes WWE’s marquee event, WrestleMania, as well as other live tentpole PLEs like SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series and Money in the Bank. WWE will continue to produce the PLEs.
The direct-to-consumer service will stream all WWE PLEs. Select events will be simulcast on ESPN linear platforms.
ESPN’s acquisition of WWE’s PLEs appears to be a natural fit.
“WWE has an immense, devoted and passionate fanbase that we’re excited to super-serve on our new ESPN DTC platform,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “This agreement, which features the most-significant WWE events of the year, bolsters our unprecedented content portfolio and helps drive our streaming future.”
“WWE’s agreement with ESPN is a pivotal moment for our millions of fans across the United States: the leader in sports entertainment partnering with the biggest brand in sports media,” WWE President Nick Khan said. “Bringing WWE’s flagship events to ESPN’s platform is tremendously exciting. We know the sky is the limit.”
WWE’s PLEs currently stream on Peacock in the United States and internationally on Netflix. (Peacock is owned by TODAY.com’s parent company, NBCUniversal.)
ESPN’s new streaming service will launch Aug. 21 and cost $29.99 per month for its unlimited plan.
ESPN’s announcement that it will soon offer WWE programming comes on the heels of the cable giant’s acquisition of NFL Network, the linear rights to the popular RedZone Channel and the digital NFL Fantasy for fantasy league enthusiasts.
“By combining these NFL media assets with ESPN’s reach and innovation, we’re creating a premier destination for football fans,” Pitaro said in a statement.
