Following the unprecedented success of this year’s SummerSlam, TKO is aiming to position the event as WWE’s next flagship spectacle. Held over two nights on August 2 and 3, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the event shattered attendance marks with over 113,000 fans attending both nights combined, establishing SummerSlam as the biggest and most-viewed in WWE history.
Specifically, Night 1 attracted 53,161 spectators, and Night 2 drew an even larger crowd of 60,561, as confirmed by WWE executive Stephanie McMahon. This remarkable turnout reinforced SummerSlam’s growing importance, prompting TKO leadership to reimagine the event’s potential.
TKO Leaders Envision SummerSlam Rising to WrestleMania’s Level
During the Q2 2025 earnings call, TKO Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro emphasized the milestone SummerSlam success and outlined ambitious plans to elevate its profile. Shapiro expressed confidence that SummerSlam is transforming into an event comparable to WrestleMania, WWE’s premier annual spectacle.
“Our SummerSlam was the most viewed we’ve ever had in history. So quickly, that is turning into another WrestleMania for us, and the more that Nick (Khan) and Paul (Levesque) can drive these events to be of that ilk and that level, and deliver the kind of result on live events and site fees that we get for WrestleMania, that’s what’s gonna get us the rest of the way there on a margin increase,” Shapiro explained. —Mark Shapiro, TKO Chief Operating Officer
Shapiro’s remarks highlighted how expanding live attendance and viewership, coupled with stronger partnerships, will be critical to maximizing revenue and solidifying SummerSlam’s standing alongside WWE’s most prestigious event.
SummerSlam 2026 to Debut in Minneapolis, Expanding WWE’s Stadium Event Footprint
The next SummerSlam is scheduled for August 1 and 2, 2026, at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This will mark the first WWE stadium event in the Twin Cities and the first SummerSlam in Minnesota since the 1999 event at the Target Center.
By selecting Minneapolis as the host city, WWE aims to broaden its geographic reach while maintaining SummerSlam’s stature as a major live event that draws large audiences and generates substantial excitement nationwide.
New ESPN Partnership to Boost SummerSlam’s Global Exposure
WWE recently secured a $1.6 billion deal with ESPN covering 2026 through 2030, which will bring all premium live events, including SummerSlam, exclusively to the ESPN platform globally. Subscribers to ESPN will be able to access these events for a monthly fee of $29.99, greatly increasing WWE’s availability to fans around the world.
This strategic partnership is expected to expand WWE’s global footprint, enabling SummerSlam and other key events like WrestleMania, Survivor Series, and the Royal Rumble to reach wider audiences and attract greater viewership on streaming platforms.
Significance of SummerSlam’s Growth for WWE’s Future
The record-breaking SummerSlam attendance and viewership mark a turning point in WWE’s event strategy, signaling that it can elevate another marquee property to WrestleMania’s level of influence and financial success. With plans to host future SummerSlams in major stadiums like US Bank Stadium and the backing of the ESPN deal, WWE’s premium live events are poised for expanded reach and profitability.
This trajectory not only increases revenue opportunities through ticket sales and broadcasting rights but also strengthens WWE’s brand as it continues to engage a growing global fanbase. SummerSlam’s evolution is likely to redefine the landscape of wrestling entertainment and set new benchmarks for future events.
