In a seismic shift, ESPN and WWE have formally confirmed that all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs)—including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, Money in the Bank and more—will stream exclusively on ESPN platforms in the United States beginning in 2026  . The agreement spans five years and is reportedly valued at approximately $1.6 billion, or $325 million annually—a significant uplift over the current Peacock deal, which is set to expire after 2025  .

As outlined in ESPN’s official press release, the new ESPN direct‑to‑consumer streaming service will host entire WWE PLEs, while some events will also be simulcast on ESPN’s linear networks  . WWE will continue to produce all live events, with ESPN gaining access not only to the events themselves but also to pre‑ and post‑show content tied to them  .

What This Means for U.S. Wrestling Fans

1. Transition to ESPN’s New DTC Service

Beginning August 21, 2025, ESPN will launch its new streaming platform (simply branded “ESPN”), which will consolidate all ESPN content in one service. The Unlimited tier costs $29.99/month ($299.99/year) and includes access to all traditional ESPN networks plus proprietary originals and live sports content. A lower-tier Select plan at $11.99/month ($119.99/year) replaces the old ESPN+ offering and gives access to over 32,000 live events annually—with the Unlimited tier being necessary for live WWE PLEs  .

2. Peacock Deal Ending

Peacock has served as WWE’s U.S. home for PLEs since 2021, but that arrangement officially ends in December 2025 (or very early 2026), after which Peacock will no longer carry WWE’s archive or premium events  .

Strategic Stakes: What the Deal Means

For WWE (TKO Group Holdings)

• The deal significantly elevates the domestic value of WWE’s marquee live events.
• Aligns WWE with a globally recognized sports media power, offering deeper integration into ESPN’s ecosystem, especially via its existing UFC relationship  .

For ESPN (Disney)

• Secures WWE as a keystone for its direct-to-consumer streaming launch.
• Strengthens ESPN’s content lineup beyond traditional sports—solidifying its position in live entertainment and fan-driven programming  .
• Comes amid strategic expansion, including acquiring NFL Network and NFL RedZone in exchange for NFL’s 10% stake in ESPN  .

Why This Shift Matters Now

• Content consolidation: WWE’s live events will now reside under ESPN’s umbrella instead of a general entertainment streamer (Peacock).
• Streaming momentum: ESPN’s rollout of its branded streaming service offers a modernized fan experience—integrated stats, fantasy, betting indicators, multiview, and curated content all built into one app  .
• Financial boost: The deal signals WWE’s increasing bargaining power and ESPN’s readiness to invest heavily in premium live programming.

Final Analysis

This landmark agreement signals the end of WWE’s premium live event partnership with Peacock and marks a bold new chapter in WWE’s distribution strategy. U.S. fans will need to embrace ESPN’s streaming platform starting in 2026 to continue accessing every major WWE event live. And for ESPN, the move cements its evolution from traditional network to dominant streaming sports-entertainment hub—powered by WWE’s cultural heft and Disney’s infrastructure.

For WWE, the result is enhanced revenue and alignment with a top-tier sports brand. For ESPN, it enriches its streaming launch and broadens its live content library. For fans, it’s a turning point that requires adaptation—but offers access to WWE’s biggest spectacles in a brand-new digital home.

Let me know if you’d like executive quotes, fan reaction breakdown, or comparison to WWE’s other media deals (international, Netflix, etc.).

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