Everything WWE Fans Need to Know About ESPN’s New Streaming Service
Today, August 21, ESPN has officially launched its new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service and an updated app, which will become the new exclusive U.S. home for all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs) starting in September. For wrestling fans, this marks a significant shift in how they will watch WWE’s biggest shows. Here is a complete guide to the new service.
What is the New Service?
The new service is a standalone subscription, branded as “ESPN Unlimited,” that bundles all of ESPN’s linear and digital networks into one package. This is designed primarily for cord-cutters who do not have a traditional cable or satellite subscription. The service includes live feeds of ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, and ABC sports broadcasts, among others.
How to Watch WWE Premium Live Events
Starting on September 20 with the inaugural “Wrestlepalooza” event, all WWE PLEs will stream live exclusively on the new ESPN DTC service. Much like the previous arrangement with Peacock, the WWE PLEs will be available to subscribers of the “ESPN Unlimited” plan at no additional cost. The events will also be available for video-on-demand (VOD) playback after they air live.
What About the WWE Network Archives?
The vast library of historical WWE content, including past WrestleManias and other classic events, will remain on Peacock through the end of 2025. A deal for that content to move to ESPN has not yet been made, but it could be a possibility in the future.
Subscription Options and Pricing
There are two main subscription tiers for the new service:
- ESPN Unlimited: This is the premium tier that includes access to all live ESPN channels and, most importantly for wrestling fans, all WWE Premium Live Events. The cost is $29.99 per month or $299.99 annually.
- ESPN Select: This is the new name for the existing ESPN+ service. It costs $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year. This tier does not include the live ESPN channels or the WWE PLEs.
There is also a bundle option that includes ESPN Unlimited, Disney+, and Hulu (with ads) for $29.99 per month for the first year.
Access for Existing Cable and Streaming Subscribers
For fans who already have access to ESPN through a cable or live TV streaming provider, there is good news. Subscribers to Hulu Live, DirecTV, Charter, FuboTV, and Verizon Fios can log into the new ESPN app using their existing provider credentials and will have access to the new service, including WWE PLEs, at no additional cost.
There are some exceptions at launch. Access for DirecTV satellite subscribers is expected to be added later this year. Currently, YouTubeTV is not among the providers that offer this access, though that may change in the future.
This new partnership between WWE and ESPN marks a new era for how fans will consume WWE’s biggest events, consolidating them onto one of the world’s largest sports media platforms.
