WWE President Nick Khan has confirmed a landmark media rights agreement that will transfer WWE’s Premium Live Events, including WrestleMania, from Peacock to ESPN’s new streaming platform in the United States starting January 2026. This deal, valued at $325 million annually over five years, marks a significant change in WWE’s broadcasting strategy.
The move is designed to broaden WWE’s reach by aligning with ESPN and its parent company Disney, bringing the wrestling spectacle closer to mainstream sports programming and new audiences.
Details of the New $325 Million Rights Agreement
The comprehensive deal includes 10 Premium Live Events per year, spanning 12 total nights, with WrestleMania and SummerSlam continuing as two-night special events. WWE’s domestic live event rights will transfer to ESPN, while international broadcast arrangements are expected to remain unchanged.
Until the transition takes effect in 2026, WWE’s premium shows will continue streaming on Peacock. Afterward, these events will become premier content on ESPN’s direct-to-consumer platform, which is projected to cost $29.99 per month.
WWE Leadership Discusses Relationship with Disney and Future Prospects
Nick Khan expressed appreciation for Peacock’s role as WWE’s home since 2021, noting the mutually beneficial relationship that has evolved over time.
“Peacock has been amazing. We bet on Peacock early. They bet on WWE early. We think the bet paid off for both sides,” —Nick Khan, WWE President
“And here we are now today with Disney. It’s a whole new frontier for us. We’re excited about it.” —Nick Khan, WWE President
Khan also emphasized the long-standing connections among WWE executives and Disney leadership, calling the partnership a natural progression.
“Between Mark Shapiro, Ari Emanuel, myself, Triple H, we have extensive history with Disney… the opportunity to take WWE there, we think will broaden the horizons and broaden the viewership with all of our fans and new fans coming in.” —Nick Khan, WWE President
How Fans Will Benefit Under the New Streaming Model
Addressing fan concerns over pricing, Khan confirmed there will be no additional pay-per-view charges for major WWE events under the ESPN agreement. Subscribers to the service will receive access to WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and other Premium Live Events without extra fees, maintaining the practice established by the WWE Network and continued by Peacock.
“You subscribe to that product. You get WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, all of our other Premium Live Events with no upcharge,” —Nick Khan, WWE President
WWE’s Positioning Within the Sports Media Landscape
By partnering with ESPN, WWE plans to further solidify its place among major live sports, comparable to events like the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and UFC pay-per-views. This transition represents a strategic effort to integrate fully with mainstream sports broadcasting and expand the wrestling fan base.
“This is going to be massive for WWE fans and sports fans alike,” —Nick Khan, WWE President
“We’re ready to light it up.” —Nick Khan, WWE President
As WWE prepares for this new chapter, the company aims to bring its biggest events to an even wider audience, leveraging ESPN’s established platform and reach. Fans and sports enthusiasts alike are watching closely as WWE enters this promising and transformative era.
