WWE strikes massive $1.6 billion deal with ESPN for streaming rights
- WWE has signed a lucrative five-year agreement with ESPN valued over $1.6 billion.
- This deal allows ESPN exclusive U.S. streaming rights to major WWE events, starting in 2026.
- The partnership is expected to significantly enhance WWE's global reach and content portfolio.
In August 2025, ESPN, a subsidiary of Walt Disney Company, secured an exclusive agreement with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) that will give it streaming rights to WWE's biggest events starting in 2026. This five-year contract, valued at $1.6 billion, marks a significant increase from WWE's previous deal with Peacock, which was worth $900 million. The deal will include major WWE events such as WrestleMania and SummerSlam, alongside pre- and post-event shows, all available on ESPN's new direct-to-consumer streaming service set to launch in August 2025. WWE's transition from Peacock to ESPN signifies an expansion of its audience reach as it aims to connect with a more diverse demographic through multiple platforms. CEO Nick Khan emphasized the company's strategy of omnipresence, allowing WWE to cater to fans via cable, network, and streaming services, thus appealing to various age groups. The popularity of WWE has been on the rise, as demonstrated by the increased viewership of its leading shows and packed live events such as the Royal Rumble in Indianapolis, which saw attendance of nearly 70,000 people. The significance of the new deal for WWE lies not only in the financial aspect but also in the potential for further growth and visibility in the sports entertainment landscape. As ESPN prepares to incorporate WWE events into its extensive content lineup, existing ESPN cable subscribers will have access to the new streaming service without needing additional subscriptions. The agreement comes at a crucial time, as ESPN recently enhanced its sports offerings with additional acquisitions. WWE's collaboration with ESPN is scheduled to begin in 2026, and it demonstrates the direction the company is taking in an increasingly digital viewing landscape. The partnership is expected to boost both WWE's brand and ESPN's content library, providing fans with high-stakes entertainment filled with compelling storytelling and athleticism. With this revolutionary move, WWE may continue to capture the attention of new fans while satisfying its established audience.