WWE-ESPN Deal
WWE-ESPN Deal WWE.com/ESPN.com

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has entered into a new five-year streaming partnership with ESPN, valued at $1.6 billion. Announced in early August 2025, the deal gives ESPN exclusive United States rights to all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs) starting in 2026. The agreement, part of a broader content strategy by ESPN's parent company Disney, will make WWE events available through ESPN's new direct-to-consumer streaming service and cable channels, reshaping how fans access flagship shows like WrestleMania and SummerSlam.

What the WWE–ESPN Streaming Agreement Includes

The multibillion-dollar deal sees ESPN securing exclusive rights to stream WWE's PLEs in the United States, according to WWE News. This includes major events such as Royal Rumble, Money in the Bank, Survivor Series and SummerSlam. The agreement spans from 2026 through 2031 and represents one of the most lucrative media rights packages in WWE's history.

The deal is structured at an average of $325 million (£243 million) per year and is part of ESPN's push to strengthen its presence in the competitive sports streaming market. It follows the company's recent acquisitions of NFL RedZone, the NFL Network, and NFL Fantasy, as part of its long-term streaming vision.

Where to Watch WWE Events on ESPN

ESPN's new direct-to-consumer platform is scheduled to launch on 21 August 2025. WWE fans in the U.S. will be able to stream PLEs through this new service, which offers two pricing tiers:

  • Unlimited Tier: $29.99 (£22) per month or $299.99 (£224) annually
  • Select Tier: $11.99 (£9) per month

Some events will also be simulcast on traditional ESPN cable channels. In addition, cable and satellite subscribers may be able to access these events at no extra cost via provider authentication.

What Happens to Raw, SmackDown and Existing Platforms?

This ESPN deal does not impact WWE's existing agreements for weekly programming. 'Monday Night Raw' will continue to stream on Netflix, under a separate 10-year deal reportedly worth $5 billion. The deal covers several regions, including the U.S., U.K. and Canada.

'Friday Night SmackDown' will remain on the USA Network, while its current streaming arrangements with platforms such as Peacock will continue through 2029. For international audiences, Netflix will retain access to live PLEs and WWE Network content outside of the United States.

Does the ESPN Deal Conflict With WWE's Netflix Partnership?

The new ESPN agreement only covers U.S. streaming rights for PLEs, while Netflix's deal remains focused on weekly programming and international event distribution. According to WWE, there is no conflict between the two contracts.

Netflix will continue to serve as a global distribution platform for WWE's non-PPV content, including Raw, NXT, documentaries and classic events. For U.S.-based viewers, however, premium events like WrestleMania will be exclusive to ESPN's new streaming platform starting in 2026.

Financial Impact and Industry Reactions

WWE's financial performance continues to rise, with the company reporting a 24% revenue increase in Q1 2025, largely driven by its Netflix deal. The ESPN partnership is expected to further solidify its dominance in the sports entertainment market.

The deal also reflects Disney's growing investment in live sports streaming, with ESPN now offering an extensive line-up of both traditional and sports entertainment programming.

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