Disney’s ESPN has struck a monumental five-year, $1.6 billion agreement to secure exclusive U.S. streaming rights to WWE’s biggest events, starting in 2026. The blockbuster deal marks a dramatic rise in value for WWE media rights and sets the stage for a fierce new era of streaming competition.
Beginning next year, ESPN will pay $325 million annually to access premium WWE content, including tentpole events like WrestleMania and SummerSlam. Fans will be able to watch these shows on ESPN’s forthcoming streaming service, expected to debut this fall at a price point of $29.99 a month. Select ESPN cable channels will also broadcast key events.
Streaming Wars Heat Up Over Wrestling Content
The WWE-ESPN pact represents a significant leap from WWE’s previous five-year, $900 million deal with Peacock. The new ESPN arrangement more than triples the annual value of WWE's U.S. streaming rights, demonstrating the growing demand for exclusive sports and live-event content among major media players.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro emphasizes the strategic fit: “It’s a significant content acquisition that we believe is going to really bolster our direct-to-consumer launch and drive our streaming future.”
With this move, ESPN aims to supercharge its new streamer and attract a devoted wrestling fan base ready to follow the action online.
Did you know?
WWE’s deal with Netflix in 2024 for its flagship “Raw” show was worth over $5 billion for ten years, making it one of the most valuable streaming sports contracts globally.
A Pivot After WWE’s Netflix Raw Deal
The Disney-ESPN announcement follows on the heels of another massive WWE media deal last year: the ten-year, $5 billion contract with Netflix for streaming “Raw,” the company’s weekly flagship show.
Netflix has since elevated “Raw” as a top performer, further proving the drawing power of championship wrestling on streaming platforms.
For WWE, ESPN’s entry brings unprecedented exposure and revenue. With separate deals for its weekly and marquee events, WWE continues to diversify where and how fans can watch matches, positioning itself at the center of streaming-era viewership.
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Impacts and Shake-Up in Sports Media
The move marks a big loss for Peacock, which relied on WWE programming to build its reach and reduce subscriber churn. However, Peacock is pivoting to other sports content, starting this fall with live NBA games, a critical effort to keep its sports offering strong after WWE exits.
ESPN continues to expand its business beyond wrestling. The company has renewed and expanded its UFC partnership and just inked a wide-ranging pact with the National Football League, granting the NFL a 10% stake in ESPN along with critical media assets.
Ongoing talks with Major League Baseball for U.S. streaming rights indicate ESPN’s hunger for a robust exclusive sports lineup.
Competitive Edge as ESPN Goes Direct-to-Consumer
ESPN plans to maintain its competitiveness by providing fans with a comprehensive platform to access the most sought-after live events through its upcoming direct-to-consumer service.
The high price for WWE content reflects a calculated bet that passionate audiences will follow and pay for their favorite shows, especially in a world of fragmented viewing choices.
As streaming reshapes the sports media landscape, Disney and ESPN’s aggressive moves ensure they remain at the center of the action.
The WWE deal is both a response to and a driver of the industry’s ongoing transformation, defining the next chapter for both sports fans and the business of live entertainment.
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