In a blockbuster announcement today (Weds, Aug. 6, 2025), ESPN has secured exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights to all of WWE’s Premium Live Events (PLEs), including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble. The five-year deal, valued at a whopping $1.6 billion (roughly $325 million annually), kicks off in 2026 and marks a significant increase from WWE’s current $180 million-per-year agreement with Peacock.
“WWE has an immense, devoted, and passionate fan base that we’re excited to super-serve on our new ESPN DTC platform,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a press release. “This agreement, featuring the most significant WWE events of the year, bolsters our unmatched content portfolio and drives our streaming future.”
The deal’s timing is notable, as WWE’s sister company under TKO Group Holdings, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), is also navigating a pivotal moment. UFC’s current ESPN contract, in place since 2019, expires at the end of 2025.
With ESPN also reaching a massive deal to acquire NFL Network, RedZone, and other NFL media assets, including rights to additional games and fantasy football, will ESPN splurge some more to get UFC?
