WWE Arrives at ESPN: A New Home for Wrestlemania Starting in 2026
A historic agreement between WWE and ESPN will mark the beginning of a new era for wrestling fans. Starting in 2026, the most important WWE events, including Wrestlemania, SummerSlam and other Premium Live events, will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming platform. This agreement, announced on Wednesday, represents a significant step for both entities. WWE will produce the events for ESPN platforms, ensuring an immersive experience for viewers.“WWE has an immense, devoted, and passionate fanbase that we are excited to serve on our new ESPN DTC platform,” stated Jimmy Pitaro, President of ESPN. “This agreement, which includes WWE’s most important events of the year, reinforces our unprecedented content portfolio and drives our streaming future.”
Jimmy Pitaro, President of ESPN
ESPN’s streaming service, slated to launch in early fall, will be priced at $29.99 per month and will offer access to the seven national linear ESPN networks, in addition to ESPN on ABC and other streaming options. WWE events were previously streamed on Peacock in 2025.“We are proud to reinforce the ‘E’ in ESPN at such an exciting juncture in its direct-to-consumer journey,” said Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO. “WWE Premium Live Events are recognized for exactly the kind of rich storytelling, incredible feats of athleticism, and must-see cultural experiences that have become synonymous with ESPN. Through our relationship with UFC, we have experienced firsthand how transformative an ESPN presence can be, and we know that this will be an exceptional partnership at a time of great innovation for both companies.”
Mark Shapiro, President and COO, TKO
