WWE PLEs move to ESPN Streaming Service: What fans should know

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is officially moving its premium live events (PLEs) from Peacock to ESPN streaming platforms in the United States. The historic shift begins September 20, 2025, with the launch of WrestlePalooza, WWE’s newest mega-event.

The multi-year deal marks a significant change in how fans will access WWE events, placing them directly on ESPN’s streaming service, ESPN+, as well as linear ESPN channels. The move represents a bold strategy for both WWE and its parent company TKO Group Holdings, aligning WWE with Disney-owned ESPN’s massive sports distribution network.

WrestlePalooza: A New Era of WWE Live Events

The debut of WrestlePalooza will serve as WWE’s first premium live event under the ESPN deal. Marketed as a new tentpole wrestling showcase, WrestlePalooza is designed to stand alongside WWE’s traditional flagship shows, WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Royal Rumble.

This event is expected to set the tone for how ESPN and WWE will deliver wrestling content to fans. By hosting WrestlePalooza as the inaugural broadcast, both companies aim to create a cultural moment that cements the value of their partnership.

What Fans Can Expect on ESPN Platforms

Under the agreement, fans can watch WWE’s biggest events via ESPN+ with additional coverage across ESPN linear channels and digital outlets. This integration brings WWE into the same ecosystem as UFC, which already streams exclusively on ESPN+ under a similar deal.

WWE’s move from Peacock means that subscribers will now need ESPN’s platforms to watch live shows, including monthly premium live events. With ESPN’s reach into mainstream sports, WWE is poised to gain greater visibility among traditional sports audiences, further blurring the lines between professional wrestling and competitive sports entertainment.

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Why the ESPN-WWE Deal Matters

This partnership underscores a new era in sports streaming. For ESPN, acquiring WWE programming expands its live event portfolio, diversifying content beyond mainstream sports like the NFL, NBA, and UFC. For WWE, the ESPN partnership promises wider exposure, premium distribution, and cross-promotion within one of the most recognized sports brands globally.

Industry insiders view this as a strategic victory for both companies. WWE strengthens its foothold in the U.S. streaming market, while ESPN gains a loyal fanbase known for driving consistent viewership. As Peacock exits the WWE streaming business earlier than expected, the Disney-owned platform now has a high-profile property to attract new subscribers.

Looking Ahead: WWE’s Future on ESPN

With WrestlePalooza as the starting point, fans can expect all of WWE’s marquee events to stream on ESPN going forward. The deal also opens opportunities for documentaries, studio programming, and crossover content that leverages ESPN’s established sports coverage model.

This collaboration represents not just a streaming shift, but a new chapter in WWE’s global expansion strategy. For wrestling fans, September 20, 2025, will be remembered as the day WWE entered the ESPN era.