On August 6th, WWE revealed that its premium live events will transition to ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer app starting with WrestleMania 42 in 2026. This marks a significant shift for WWE, which has relied on Peacock for the past four years and previously operated its own WWE Network.
As the company’s flagship events move to this new platform, ESPN’s WWE Pay-Per-Event Live Stream (PLES) may experience notable changes. Here are six possible updates to ESPN’s approach for WWE PLES:
6. WWE events might be broadcast on ESPN first before becoming exclusive to the app.
With this development, WWE seems to be adopting a format similar to UFC’s pay-per-view model, where early matches are aired live on ESPN before transitioning exclusively to ESPN Plus. Though UFC has slightly evolved this approach, WWE could follow a comparable path after launching on ESPN’s direct consumer app. Broadcasting the initial matches on ESPN would help integrate WWE into the network’s programming and attract a wider audience to WWE’s live shows.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for WWE fans as it signals a fresh chapter for WWE’s broadcasting strategy, possibly reaching new viewers through ESPN’s widely respected sports platform. It also promises easier access to premium events and could enhance the overall viewing experience, benefiting the growth and popularity of WWE as a sport.
