WWE is teaming up with ESPN! Starting in 2026, Disney will pay around $325 million each year for the rights to stream WWE’s biggest events, like WrestleMania and SummerSlam. This new partnership marks a shift from NBCUniversal’s Peacock, which previously paid $180 million a year for the same package.
All ten major WWE events will stream on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer platform for $29.99 a month. Some events will also air on ESPN’s traditional TV channels, making them more accessible to fans.
Mark Shapiro, President of TKO Group, which owns WWE, sees this partnership as a natural fit. He stated, “If you want to grow WWE’s fan base, you need to collaborate with ESPN.” This aligns WWE with a well-known platform, potentially attracting a broader audience.
Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s Chairman, mentioned that the addition of WWE events will help draw in younger, more diverse viewers. About 38% of WWE’s audience is female, and many fans bring their kids to live events. This multigenerational appeal is something both WWE and ESPN aim to promote.
In 2024, WWE signed a significant 10-year deal with Netflix to stream “Raw” on Monday nights. This means fans outside the U.S. can still enjoy major WWE events through Netflix, while Peacock will continue to stream “SmackDown” until 2029.
According to recent surveys, the popularity of wrestling continues to grow. In fact, viewership among younger audiences is expected to increase. By aligning with ESPN, WWE could tap into this trend and reach fans in new, exciting ways.
Source link
TKO Group Holdings Inc,Entertainment,Sports,Netflix Inc,Walt Disney Co,Media,Technology,Breaking News: Business,United States,business news
