WWE has officially found a new U.S. home for its premium live events. In a landmark rights agreement, all of WWE’s major shows, including WrestleMania, will move to ESPN platforms beginning in 2026 in a deal valued at an average of $325 million per year.
A Massive WWE Rights Deal
According to people familiar with the matter, CNBC reports the five-year deal is worth an average of $325 million annually, a significant increase from the previous deal with NBCUniversal’s Peacock, which was valued at $180 million per year. Starting in 2026, all 10 of WWE’s premium live events will stream in the U.S. on ESPN’s new $29.99-per-month direct-to-consumer platform, with select events also simulcasting on ESPN’s linear networks.
SmackDown’s Future And WWE’s Media Landscape
While Monday Night Raw moved to Netflix earlier this year and the premium live events are now heading to ESPN, the future of Friday Night SmackDown is set for the time being. According to people familiar with the matter, SmackDown, which airs on the USA Network, will continue to stream on Peacock in the U.S. That separate deal is set to expire in 2029.
The new agreement was lauded by executives from both companies. TKO President Mark Shapiro called the partnership “our destiny,” while ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said the deal is a “fantastic way for us to expand our audience.” WWE President Nick Khan added that the partnership is a “pivotal moment” for fans, solidifying WWE’s place at the top of the sports entertainment landscape.
