ESPN secures top WWE events in new rights deal

A five-year agreement gives ESPN the rights to top WWE events in a bid to reach younger audiences.

ESPN Secures WWE Exclusive U.S. Rights for Major Events

ESPN has announced a significant five-year deal securing U.S. rights to major WWE live events, including WrestleMania and SummerSlam, beginning in 2026. This strategic move aims to attract a younger and more diverse audience as part of ESPN's new streaming venture. The events, which have traditionally aired on Peacock, will enhance ESPN's programming with options for related pre- and post-show broadcasts, possibly extending to existing ESPN linear channels. Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN, emphasized the need to broaden the demographic reach through WWE content, which has maintained enduring popularity. The partnership reflects past collaborations, highlighted during the pandemic when WWE's classic broadcasts filled ESPN's schedule. This deal strengthens WWE’s media presence, as they continue to collaborate with NBCU for other programming.

This partnership marks a pivotal moment for ESPN, as it seeks to diversify its audience amid the changing sports broadcast landscape. The integration of WWE into ESPN's offerings not only ensures a steady stream of content but also positions ESPN ahead of the impending end of its UFC contract. With UFC's popularity linked to ESPN's growth, acquiring WWE could similarly enhance viewer engagement. Furthermore, as media consumption habits shift toward streaming, this deal represents an evolution for both companies, potentially reshaping how sports entertainment is delivered and monetized in a competitive market.

Highlights

The implications of this deal could significantly reshape the future of sports entertainment.