WWE Wrestlepalooza streams on ESPN September 20

WWE moves premium live events to ESPN's streaming platform ahead of schedule, starting with Wrestlepalooza on September 20 in Indianapolis.

WWE and ESPN launch early live events streaming partnership

WWE and ESPN have moved up the schedule for premium live events on ESPN’s direct-to-consumer platform. Wrestlepalooza will stream on September 20 from Indianapolis at 7 p.m. ET, becoming the exclusive domestic home for WWE’s premium live events on ESPN platforms. The rest of this year’s events, including Crown Jewel and Survivor Series, will follow on the new service.

Next year, marquee events WrestleMania and SummerSlam will join ESPN after WWE ends a five-year run on Peacock. Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque described the partnership as a chance to unite the biggest names in wrestling with the biggest brand in sports media. Wrestlepalooza’s lineup features John Cena along with Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre, and Cena will mark his final appearance in Indianapolis.

The move signals a broader shift in how major sports and entertainment fill streaming plans. ESPN is consolidating live event access under its direct-to-consumer service, while WWE gains reach and cross-promotion opportunities across a sports media giant. For fans, this can mean easier access if you subscribe to ESPN’s platform but could limit options for those who prefer Peacock or other services.

Industry impact includes pressure on other rights holders to consider exclusive streaming homes, questions about pricing and ad models, and how advertisers plan cross-channel campaigns around big events. The deal also foreshadows a future where live events are anchored to streaming, not just cable, reshaping the landscape for fans and investors alike.

Highlights

The streaming era keeps changing the map of live sports.