In a potentially significant change for wrestling fans, WWE’s premium live events could be moving from Peacock to ESPN platforms much sooner than the previously announced 2026 start date. The move could happen as early as next month.
WWE Premium Live Events Could Air On ESPN In 2025
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez reported on the possibility of an early start for the rights deal. “I’m hearing we may have ESPN going forward,” Alvarez said. This follows earlier reports that the unannounced September 20 premium live event, which is set to be headlined by John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar, would air on ESPN.
Fulfilling The WWE Peacock Deal
The official five-year, $1.6 billion deal between WWE and ESPN is not scheduled to begin until 2026, as WWE’s current US rights deal with Peacock does not expire until March of that year. However, Alvarez provided a potential explanation for how an early move could be possible.
“I don’t know this 100 percent, but I was kind of given the impression that the way it worked with Peacock was they were contracted to X number of events and they’ve added events because there’s a second night of SummerSlam, they added the Evolution show,” Alvarez explained. “So they may have met the quota.”
If WWE has indeed fulfilled its contractual obligation of a set number of events for Peacock, it would free them up to begin their new, more lucrative partnership with ESPN ahead of schedule.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit F4WOnline.com with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
