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WWE rights move to ESPN and SNME exclusive on Peacock
ESPN will air WWE monthly premium events while Peacock keeps SNME exclusivity and WWE programming.
WWE shifts monthly premium live events to ESPN as Peacock retains SNME and other WWE programming.
WWE moves premium live events to ESPN while Peacock keeps SNME streaming
WWE has announced a multi year deal that places monthly premium live events on ESPN’s direct to consumer service, starting with Wrestlepalooza on September 20. ESPN will be the home for those events, while Peacock will host two Peacock exclusive editions of Saturday Night’s Main Event this fall, with the December edition featuring John Cena’s retirement match.
Peacock will also retain access to WWE’s archives through the end of 2025 and continue airing NXT Premium Live Events through 2026. The company says SmackDown encore rights will stay with Peacock, expanding the streaming footprint of WWE content across NBCUniversal platforms.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque framed the move as a long term partnership with NBCUniversal, noting that NBCU has been a strong partner and will remain so for years to come. Industry reporting points to ESPN paying roughly 325 million dollars per year over five years for the ESPN package, underscoring the growing cost of live sports rights in the streaming era.
The deal follows WWE’s expansion of its PLE calendar this year, including a two night SummerSlam and Evolution, and marks a broader shift in how WWE distributes its biggest events in a crowded streaming landscape.
Key Takeaways
"We’re excited to bring Saturday Night’s Main Event exclusively to Peacock beginning this fall."
Direct quote from Paul Levesque on Peacock exclusivity.
"NBCU have been terrific longtime partners, and we look forward to continuing to work with them for years to come."
Statement accompanying the Peacock deal.
"A new home. A new PLE. A new era!!!"
From Triple H's social post about the move and new era.
"Wrestlepalooza from Indianapolis on September 20 will air LIVE on ESPN."
Direct note on the ESPN premiere date for Wrestlepalooza.
The arrangement shows how streaming strategies are reshaping sports and entertainment rights. ESPN’s involvement amplifies WWE’s reach to new subscribers but ties the company to a single platform for marquee events, which could affect pricing and accessibility for fans. For WWE, the revenue certainty from a substantial rights fee may help fund production and talent costs, yet it also raises the bar for future negotiations as streaming markets consolidate.
For NBCUniversal and Peacock, the move spreads WWE content across networks and platforms, potentially driving more subscriptions and ad opportunities but risking fragmentation of the WWE audience. In the longer run, the deal could influence how other leagues and leagues’ media rights are negotiated as brands seek operational flexibility across streaming ecosystems.
Highlights
- Streaming battles heat up in the WWE arena
- Rights deals rewrite how fans watch the biggest moments
- A bold move that could widen the stage for wrestlers and studios
- The fall schedule just added a new chapter for wrestling
Financial risk tied to ESPN rights deal
ESPN’s roughly 325 million dollar annual fee for five years increases WWE and ESPN exposure to streaming market swings and advertiser cycles, raising questions about long term value and fan access.
The real test will be whether fans gain smoother access and better value or face new costs in a crowded streaming market.
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