WrestleMania Coming to ESPN Streaming in 2026
A major development in the sports entertainment industry has just been confirmed. ESPN has officially signed a multi-year partnership with WWE that will make the network the exclusive domestic home for WWE’s Premium Live Events in the United States starting in 2026. The deal includes streaming rights to some of WWE’s biggest spectacles such as WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series and Money in the Bank.
This announcement comes only a day after ESPN reached a nonbinding agreement with the National Football League. Under that arrangement, ESPN will acquire assets like NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the RedZone channel across cable and satellite platforms. In exchange, the NFL is expected to receive a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN. These consecutive moves signal a clear and aggressive strategy by ESPN to dominate the digital sports landscape as streaming continues to reshape the media world.
The agreement with WWE is seen as a strategic win for both sides. WWE gains broader exposure through a platform known for its wide reach and sports credibility, while ESPN adds a valuable lineup of live events with an extremely loyal and engaged fanbase. With WWE events consistently drawing global audiences, ESPN’s new streaming service is poised to benefit from a fresh wave of subscribers eager to follow the action.
Nick Khan, President of WWE, described the partnership as a milestone for the company. He emphasized that aligning WWE with a powerhouse like ESPN is a clear sign of growth and ambition. According to Khan, bringing WWE’s flagship events to such a significant platform reinforces the brand’s position as a leader in global entertainment and creates new opportunities to expand its audience.
Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, also shared his enthusiasm about the agreement. He pointed out that the addition of WWE’s top-tier events enhances ESPN’s content offering at a critical moment as the company prepares to launch its direct-to-consumer service. Pitaro noted that the inclusion of WWE will attract both wrestling fans and casual viewers, strengthening the platform’s appeal and driving momentum for its upcoming launch.
The new ESPN streaming service is scheduled to debut before the end of September 2025. With a monthly subscription price set at 29 dollars and 99 cents, the platform promises access to all ESPN content, including its television networks and now, WWE’s most iconic events. The move positions ESPN to compete directly with other major streaming services while continuing to expand its influence across multiple forms of media.
This partnership also highlights a growing trend in the entertainment industry. As traditional cable viewership declines, media companies are racing to secure exclusive digital content that can build brand loyalty and justify subscription fees. WWE, under the TKO Group umbrella, has proven its ability to adapt to changing markets and audience behaviors. Partnering with ESPN is a natural next step in that evolution.
Fans of professional wrestling can now look forward to a new era where accessing events like WrestleMania will be easier and more streamlined than ever. With ESPN stepping into the arena, the fusion of sports broadcasting and sports entertainment is reaching unprecedented heights.