ESPN Joins With WWE To Stream WrestleMania

As competition for sports streaming rights intensifies, with YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon vying for game packages alongside traditional media, Disney has secured a strategic advantage in football. 

On Tuesday, The Walt Disney Company, owner of ESPN, and the NFL announced a deal granting the NFL a 10% equity stake in ESPN. In return, ESPN gains control of the NFL Network, select rights to the popular RedZone Channel, and other media assets.

“This deal is a major step forward for ESPN as it prepares to launch its streaming service,” said Disney CEO Robert A. Iger in an interview.

Set to debut on August 21, ESPN’s new streaming service will cost $30 monthly and include all ESPN programming, such as 47,000 annual live events, without requiring a cable or satellite subscription. The platform will feature enhanced stats, betting options, short-form videos, personalized “SportsCenter” content, and shopping capabilities.

On Wednesday, ESPN also announced a five-year, $1.6 billion deal with World Wrestling Entertainment, securing exclusive rights to major events like WrestleMania starting next year. The partnership aims to draw a younger, more diverse audience.

The NFL Network will be fully integrated into ESPN’s app, according to Iger. Additionally, a second agreement with the NFL, announced by Iger and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, will bring three extra NFL games per season to ESPN platforms, along with expanded specialty content and extended rights to the NFL draft.