WWE and ESPN Deal: Major PPVs Streaming from 2026

WWE has officially signed a game-changing multi-billion dollar agreement with ESPN to stream its biggest premium live events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and others, starting in 2026. This massive $1.6 billion deal marks a major shift in the streaming and broadcasting rights for sports entertainment in the United States, following WWE’s earlier deal with Netflix announced earlier this year.

This deal not only reflects WWE’s ongoing transformation in the digital era but also signals ESPN’s deeper push into direct-to-consumer sports streaming.

What’s in the Deal?

As part of the new agreement, WWE’s major PPVs will now be available on ESPN’s upcoming standalone streaming service. This platform is set to launch on August 21, 2025, offering a robust lineup of UFC, WWE, and other live sports content under one subscription. The agreement includes:

• Live streaming of WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series

• Exclusive rights to WWE’s monthly premium events

• Archived access to past WWE PPVs

• Cross-promotion between ESPN, UFC, and WWE brands

The deal will span multiple years and is valued at approximately $1.6 billion, cementing ESPN as the new digital home of WWE’s U.S. pay-per-view offerings starting 2026.

Why ESPN?

WWE has long been exploring new partnerships to expand its reach in the streaming space. After the successful launch of Peacock in the U.S. as the home of WWE Network in 2021, this new collaboration with ESPN builds on that momentum. With ESPN’s vast reach, established credibility in sports broadcasting, and now the launch of its new streaming app, the partnership is seen as a win-win.

For ESPN, this adds another powerful property to its portfolio, following its long-standing relationship with UFC. For WWE, it means more visibility among sports fans and an opportunity to be part of bundled content with major sports coverage.

Netflix Deal Still Stands

It’s important to note that this ESPN deal does not replace WWE’s previously announced partnership with Netflix. That deal—reportedly worth over $5 billion—focused on the weekly WWE programming, including Raw, SmackDown (outside the U.S.), and original scripted content. ESPN’s agreement is exclusively tied to premium live events in the U.S. market.

The coexistence of both Netflix and ESPN partnerships signals WWE’s aggressive strategy to tap into global and local markets through multiple streaming giants.

What Fans Should Expect

Fans can expect an elevated viewing experience. With ESPN’s technical capabilities and event production, WWE premium shows are expected to feel more cinematic, with crossovers, behind-the-scenes footage, and potentially shared event weekends with UFC.

It also means potential changes in accessibility. While Peacock offered a bundled WWE package for $5/month, ESPN’s new service pricing is yet to be announced—but it's expected to be higher due to its live sports focus.

Industry Impact

This deal is being seen as a major moment in the sports entertainment and streaming landscape:

• Disney-owned ESPN is now directly competing with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock in the live sports category.

• The lines between entertainment and sports continue to blur.

• Bundling strategies may evolve—offering WWE, UFC, and ESPN+ under one digital umbrella.

For industry watchers, this could usher in a new era of cross-promotion and hybrid live events, especially under the TKO Group Holdings (the parent company of both WWE and UFC).

Breaking News: WWE Premium Live Events are headed to @espn platforms in the U.S. starting in 2026 pic.twitter.com/uD4KOiQYBg

— WWE (@WWE) August 6, 2025

Conclusion

WWE’s partnership with ESPN for its PPV events is more than just a media deal—it’s a strategic alignment that reflects where digital sports entertainment is heading. With a $1.6 billion valuation and the backing of Disney, this collaboration could redefine how fans consume live wrestling entertainment in the U.S. It’s the latest in WWE’s bold moves to stay ahead in an evolving media landscape.