WWE Strikes Exclusive Streaming Deal with ESPN for Major Events

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has reached a new agreement with ESPN, a division of The Walt Disney Company, to stream its marquee events—including WrestleMania and SummerSlam—on ESPN’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming platform. Announced Wednesday, the multi-year deal grants ESPN exclusive U.S. streaming rights to WWE’s top events.

Beyond WrestleMania and SummerSlam, fans will also be able to watch other major WWE events on ESPN, such as the Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank. This partnership is set to last five years, mirroring the duration of WWE’s previous arrangement with NBCUniversal’s Peacock service.

According to reports, WWE’s prior deal with Peacock—signed in 2021 and set to run through 2025—was valued at about $1 billion. The new ESPN agreement is reportedly worth approximately $1.6 billion.

Under the terms agreed upon, ESPN’s streaming service will carry every WWE premium live event each year, with some content also airing on ESPN’s traditional television channels. The deal further allows for streaming of WWE’s pre- and post-event programming associated with its live shows.

WWE Strikes Exclusive Streaming Deal with ESPN for Major Events (Image Courtesy:WWE)

WWE President Nick Khan described the partnership as a landmark development for the brand and its American audience, noting, “This collaboration with ESPN marks an exciting new chapter, bringing our biggest events to the biggest name in sports media.”

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro echoed the sentiment, highlighting the dedicated WWE fanbase and stating that the addition of WWE’s signature events strengthens ESPN’s content lineup and supports its streaming ambitions.

On the same day, ESPN also finalized a deal with the National Football League (NFL) to continue broadcasting the NFL Draft and add new digital rights for its upcoming streaming service. Additionally, ESPN and the NFL announced a preliminary agreement involving ESPN’s acquisition of the NFL Network and other league media entities, while the NFL secures a 10% equity interest in ESPN.