ESPN to stream all WWE premium live events starting in 2026

BRISTOL, Conn. - ESPN and WWE announced Wednesday a new rights agreement that will make ESPN platforms the exclusive U.S. home for all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs) beginning in 2026. The deal marks a significant move for The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), which boasts a market capitalization of $212.7 billion and generates annual revenue of $94 billion.

Under the deal, ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service will stream all WWE PLEs in their entirety, with select events simulcast on ESPN linear platforms. The agreement includes WWE’s marquee events such as the two-night WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank. According to InvestingPro, Disney’s stock is trading near its 52-week high, with analysts maintaining a bullish outlook on the company’s streaming initiatives.

"WWE has an immense, devoted and passionate fanbase that we’re excited to super-serve on our new ESPN DTC platform," said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, in a press release statement.

WWE will continue to produce all PLEs, while ESPN platforms will have the opportunity to stream pre- and post-event shows tied to these events.

The agreement represents a significant shift in WWE’s media distribution strategy. Currently, NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming service holds the exclusive U.S. rights to WWE premium live events through 2025.

"WWE’s agreement with ESPN is a pivotal moment for our millions of fans across the United States: the leader in sports entertainment partnering with the biggest brand in sports media," said Nick Khan, President of WWE.

This deal adds to ESPN’s growing portfolio of live sports content as it prepares to launch its direct-to-consumer streaming service, which will offer ESPN’s full suite of networks and services directly to consumers.

WWE is part of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:TKO), while ESPN is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS). Disney’s strong financial health is reflected in its impressive EBITDA of $19.1 billion. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued, with 8 additional exclusive insights available to subscribers through comprehensive Pro Research Reports covering what really matters about Disney’s financial performance and future prospects.

In other recent news, The Walt Disney Company, through its subsidiary ESPN, has reached a non-binding agreement to acquire NFL Network and other media assets from the National Football League in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN. This proposed transaction includes the NFL Network, NFL’s linear RedZone Channel, and NFL Fantasy, along with a licensing agreement for certain NFL content and intellectual property. Additionally, Morgan Stanley has raised its price target for Walt Disney to $140, maintaining an Overweight rating, citing potential for healthy double-digit adjusted EPS growth. Similarly, JPMorgan has increased its price target for Disney to $138, also maintaining an Overweight rating, and updated its segment operating income forecast for the third quarter to $4.56 billion. The National Football League is also reportedly in talks to acquire a 10% stake in ESPN, which would connect two major sports brands. These developments highlight significant strategic moves and analyst expectations regarding Disney’s financial performance.

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