This past Saturday marked a major turning point in the world of sports entertainment, as WWE officially entered a new era by beginning its partnership with ESPN. After years of hosting its Premium Live Events (PLEs) on Peacock, WWE has moved to ESPN’s new streaming platform in a deal that is already shaping how professional wrestling is viewed by mainstream audiences.
Announced in August 2025, the deal between TKO (WWE’s parent company) and ESPN is reportedly worth $325 million per year. While WWE will still produce all of its PLEs, ESPN will now have exclusive U.S. streaming rights.
The deal also includes pre- and post-event coverage but does not include WWE’s full video library or additional documentaries, which remain with other partners. Financially, this is nearly double the amount WWE was earning under its previous agreement with Peacock, showing just how valuable its content has become in the sports media landscape.
This ESPN partnership is more than a media deal; it is a symbolic moment that reflects the growing popularity of professional wrestling as a part of mainstream sports entertainment. ESPN is known for being the home network for major sports organizations, like the NFL and NBA, so airing one of WWE’s top events on ESPN’s platforms helps elevate pro wrestling’s reputation.
It also exposes WWE to a broader and more diverse audience. While wrestling has always had a large following, this move further solidifies its position among other major televised sports. As always, there will be critics and people who question whether WWE deserves to share the space with traditional athletic competition, but this partnership shows that media companies see WWE as a legitimate contender in the world of sports.
The first event under the new ESPN deal was Wrestlepalooza 2025,held in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
This event was treated as a major showcase, with WWE going all out to prove it belongs on a stage like ESPN. In the main event, Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre.
In one of the night’s most hyped matches, John Cena faced Brock Lesnar, an emotional showdown between two modern WWE legends. Another major match moment came when Stephanie Vaquer defeated Iyo Sky to win the vacant Women’s World Championship, which could signal a shift in the women’s division.
Perhaps the most emotional highlight of the night was the return of AJ Lee, who teamed up with her husband, CM Punk, in a mixed tag team matchup against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. It was AJ’s first match in over a decade, and the crowd’s response reflected the importance of that moment.
There was also a tag team match featuring Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker vs. The Usos, which added more energy and variety to the show.
While the event delivered some strong moments and was clearly made to show off some of WWE’s strengths, the ESPN era isn’t without some challenges. One concern is accessibility. The new ESPN streaming service costs $29.99 per month, which may be a challenge for some fans who are used to getting PLEs as part of cheaper packages like Peacock. Additionally, WWE content is now spread across multiple platforms: Raw is on Netflix, SmackDown remains on cable TV, and PLEs are now on ESPN.
This split can make it harder for fans to keep up with all of WWE’s events. Still, the overall presentation of Wrestlepalooza 2025 reflected WWE’s intention to raise its profile and embrace the style of major sporting events.
WWE’s move to ESPN is a milestone that reflects how far professional wrestling has come in terms of mainstream acceptance and value. By signing with one of the world’s largest sports media brands, WWE has not only secured a more profitable deal but also expanded its cultural relevance.
Although not everyone may consider wrestling a traditional sport, it is now part of the modern sports entertainment conversation. With a strong debut event and ESPN’s support, WWE has planted its flag firmly in the mainstream, and what comes next could further redefine its global entertainment status.
