WWE and ESPN Strike Early Deal: Wrestlepalooza to Launch Streaming Era on September 20

In a move that accelerates one of the most anticipated media partnerships in sports entertainment, WWE and ESPN have announced that their streaming deal will officially begin on September 20, 2025—months earlier than expected. The partnership was originally slated to launch in 2026, but both sides agreed to an early handoff, shifting WWE’s Premium Live Events (PLEs) from Peacock to ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer platform.

The change means Clash in Paris on August 31 will be the last WWE PLE on Peacock, closing the chapter on a four-year run before ESPN takes over.

Wrestlepalooza Headlines the Launch

The first event under this new partnership will be the brand-new spectacle Wrestlepalooza, held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The show streams live on ESPN’s platform beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

The lineup is already stacked with star power: John Cena, who is expected to compete in what could be his final match in Indianapolis, will headline alongside Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre. WWE has positioned the event as more than just a kickoff—it’s being branded as the start of a new era.

ESPN’s Streaming Push

This deal coincides with the launch of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, set to go live on August 21, 2025. The platform will cost $29.99 per month, with a lower-cost “Select” tier priced at $11.99.

Fans with authenticated cable or satellite providers such as DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, Charter, Verizon Fios, and Fubo will have access to ESPN’s new service at no additional cost during its rollout, though partnerships with Xfinity, Cox, and YouTube TV are still being finalized.

Multi-Billion Dollar Agreement

The WWE–ESPN arrangement is a five-year deal worth billions. While reports vary on the exact figure—ranging from $1.6 billion to as much as $6.5 billion—what’s clear is that Disney and ESPN see WWE as a cornerstone for their streaming expansion.

In addition to ESPN’s digital platform, select WWE events may also simulcast on linear ESPN networks, bringing the spectacle of sports entertainment to a broader audience.

A New Era for WWE and Sports Streaming

This transition reflects the changing landscape of sports and combat entertainment. As ESPN doubles down on WWE, UFC is set to depart ESPN in 2026 for a $7.7 billion deal with Paramount+, signaling a reshuffling of where fans will find their favorite events.

For WWE, the move marks its latest step in reaching global audiences through premium streaming. For fans, however, the new ESPN pricing is a sticking point. After years of Peacock offering WWE content at $9.99 or less, some worry the jump to $29.99 may test loyalty.

Still, WWE is betting big that fans will pay for marquee content—especially when the new era begins with a blockbuster like Wrestlepalooza.

The Bottom Line

WWE’s early arrival on ESPN marks one of the most significant streaming shifts in sports entertainment history. With Wrestlepalooza kicking off the partnership, fans can expect high production, major stars, and the kind of event designed to make an immediate splash.

Whether this gamble pays off with subscriptions remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: on September 20, the WWE Universe enters the ESPN era.