ESPN and WWE have reached a landmark rights agreement that will make ESPN platforms the exclusive U.S. domestic home for all WWE Premium Live Events beginning in 2026, the companies announced Tuesday.
Under the deal, ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service will carry the full slate of WWE’s marquee events — including WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, Survivor Series and Money in the Bank — in their entirety. Select events will also be simulcast on ESPN’s linear television networks.
The multiyear deal positions ESPN as the go-to destination for the most-watched events in professional wrestling and marks the first time WWE’s signature shows will be housed entirely on a sports-focused streaming platform.
“WWE has an immense, devoted and passionate fanbase that we’re excited to super-serve on our new ESPN DTC platform,” said Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN. “This agreement, which features the most significant WWE events of the year, bolsters our unprecedented content portfolio and helps drive our streaming future.”
WWE President Nick Khan called the partnership a “pivotal moment” for fans across the country.
“The leader in sports entertainment partnering with the biggest brand in sports media — bringing WWE’s flagship events to ESPN’s platform is tremendously exciting,” Khan said.
The deal also includes rights for ESPN to stream WWE’s pre- and post-event shows surrounding each Premium Live Event.
ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer product, set to launch in 2026, will integrate live games, betting data, fantasy sports, multiview options and personalized content. It will be available to all fans via the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices.
WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, will continue to produce all Premium Live Events, which have become cultural tentpoles in the global entertainment calendar.
“Through our UFC relationship, we have experienced firsthand how transformational an ESPN presence can be,” said Mark Shapiro, president and COO of TKO. “We know this will be an exceptional partnership at a time of great innovation for both companies.”