ESPN announces partnership with WWE that includes streaming WrestleMania

Key Points

• ESPN has announced a partnership with WWE that includes streaming rights to WrestleMania, making ESPN the U.S. domestic home for WWE Premium Live Events starting in 2026.
• This agreement follows a recent deal with the NFL, where ESPN will acquire NFL Network and other related properties, while the NFL takes a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
• WWE's events on ESPN will include popular shows like Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank, enhancing ESPN's content portfolio.
• ESPN's direct-to-consumer service is expected to launch by the end of September, providing access to all ESPN content for $29.99 monthly.

ESPN announced a partnership with WWE, including the streaming rights to WrestleMania, on the heels of an agreement with the NFL.

In a deal announced Wednesday, ESPN becomes the U.S. domestic home for WWE Premium Live Events. WrestleMania will be part of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service starting in 2026.

The deal comes a day after the NFL and ESPN entered into a nonbinding agreement. Under the terms, ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, will acquire NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the RedZone channel to cable and satellite operators and the league will get a 10% equity stake in ESPN.

In addition to WestleMania, WWE's Premium Live Events include Royal Rumble, Survivor Series and Money in the Bank.

“WWE’s agreement with ESPN is a pivotal moment for our millions of fans across the United States: the leader in sports entertainment partnering with the biggest brand in sports media,” Nick Khan, president of WWE, said in a statement. "Bringing WWE’s flagship events to ESPN’s platform is tremendously exciting. We know the sky is the limit.”

Added Jimmy Pitaro, the 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.”

ESPN is expected to launch its direct-to-consumer service before the end of September. The service would give consumers access to all ESPN programs and networks for $29.99 per month.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl